JAW GROWTH GUIDANCE FOR CHILDREN IN BOZEMAN
Airway & Jaw Development is Driven by How Kids Breathe
The mouth is designed for eating and drinking, while the nose is designed for breathing. Mouth breathing should be a backup plan only! This habitual practice, however, can disrupt proper facial development. If left unchecked, mouth breathing can lead to health and developmental problems down the road. The goals of jaw growth guidance are to help children develop proper oral posture and a habitual nasal breathing pattern, enabling them to reach their full growth potential.
Why Choose Bridger Children’s Dentistry for
Jaw Growth Guidance?
- Dental Team Focused on Early Intervention for Better Outcomes
- Personalized Treatment Options Based on Each Child’s Oral Needs
- Chip & Medicaid Accepted; Flexible Financing Available
Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Breathing & Improper Jaw Development
If you’re questioning whether your child might need jaw growth guidance, watch for these key indicators:
- Difficulty with Chewing or Swallowing: Struggles during meals can indicate issues with jaw alignment or oral muscle strength.
- Visible Mouth Breathing or Audible Snoring: Habitual mouth breathing, especially at night, may signal restricted nasal passages and impact facial development.
- Crowded or Misaligned Teeth: Early signs of inadequate jaw space can indicate dental crowding or misalignment.
- Facial Structure Concerns: Noticeable imbalances in facial symmetry – a narrow face or a recessed chin could be related to jaw growth issues.
- Frequent Ear Infections: A surprising link exists between improper jaw development and recurring ear infections.
- Challenges with Speech: Difficulties in articulation or clarity of speech might stem from jaw development problems.
- Poor Posture: An often-overlooked sign, poor posture can be a compensatory reaction to imbalances in the jaw and oral structures.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty achieving restful sleep can be a consequence of compromised airways due to improper jaw development.
- Reduced Academic Performance: Difficulties in concentration and learning can be related to a compromised airway that affects sleep quality.
- Behavioral Changes: Increased irritability or changes in behavior may result from the breathing and sleep issues associated with underdeveloped jaws and compromised airways.
The Goals of Jaw Growth Guidance
Enhanced Oxygen Intake: Nasal breathing improves oxygen saturation in the blood, supporting overall health and vitality.
Improved Sleep Quality: Nasal breathing can help alleviate snoring and sleep apnea symptoms in children, leading to more restful sleep.
Proper Jaw Alignment: When the lips are closed, and the tongue sits comfortably on the roof of the mouth, the jaws become more balanced and functional, reducing the risk of crowding and misalignment.
Better Oral Health: A closed mouth and strong nasal breathing help maintain a healthier oral environment, reducing the risk of dental decay and gum disease.
Optimal Facial Growth: Proper oral posture and natural nasal breathing promote harmonious facial growth, contributing to a balanced appearance.
Enhanced Speech Development: Supports clearer speech by promoting the correct tongue position and strengthening oral muscles.
Our Tools & Treatments for Jaw Growth
Our goal is to ensure that your child’s jaw develops in a way that supports their overall health, from breathing and eating to speaking and sleeping. By addressing issues early and using a comprehensive, team-driven approach, we can guide your child’s jaw growth toward optimal development and well-being. Here’s how we support this process:
- Early Intervention: We are advocates for addressing growth concerns as soon as possible. This allows us to set the stage for healthy development earlier and minimize the need for more invasive treatments later.
- Habit Correctors: Easy-to-wear appliances that help correct poor oral habits that can affect jaw growth, such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.
- Orthodontics and Palatal Expansion: Gentle appliances and devices to encourage proper jaw development and alignment.
- Orthotropics®: The “Gold Standard” facial growth guidance approach. Orthotropics encourages the jaws to grow “up and out” in the face, improving jaw development and airway health.
- Myofunctional Therapy: Think of it as physical therapy for the face – exercises designed to strengthen oral and facial muscles, support ideal jaw growth, and develop habitual nasal breathing.
- Myobrace: A tool that we recommend in mostly mild cases. It can help correct poor oral habits and align teeth and jaws in certain situations.
We're Not Just Treating Teeth. We're Treating Children!
If you’ve noticed any signs of mouth breathing or improper jaw development in your child, or if you’re interested in learning more about our jaw growth guidance program, please schedule an appointment at Bridger Children’s Dentistry. Our team is happy to help.