AnywhereDolphin™
Airway Orthodontics in Rochester & Brockport, NY
Traditional orthodontics focuses on lining up teeth and correcting the bite. Airway orthodontics adds another important layer: evaluating how the size, shape and position of the jaws affect breathing. The upper jaw (maxilla) forms the floor of the nasal cavity, so a narrow or underdeveloped upper jaw can reduce nasal airflow and leave less room for the tongue. When the tongue has nowhere to rest, it often sits low and back toward the throat, which can narrow the airway, encourage mouth breathing and contribute to crowded teeth.
At Bateman Orthodontics, Dr. Jeremy Bateman and Dr. Ben Levenson include airway screening as part of our orthodontic evaluations for children, teens and adults. By understanding how facial growth, tongue posture and breathing habits connect, we can create treatment plans that do more than straighten teeth. We help patients across Rochester, Brockport, Irondequoit and Greece build a foundation for better breathing, better sleep and a confident smile.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Airway Evaluation
Children rarely complain about breathing problems because they do not know anything different. Parents are often the first to notice the clues. Consider scheduling an orthodontic airway evaluation if your child shows any of the following:
- Mouth breathing during the day or at night
- Snoring, noisy breathing or pauses in breathing during sleep
- Restless sleep, frequent night waking or bedwetting past the typical age
- Daytime tiredness, irritability or difficulty focusing at school
- Dark circles under the eyes or a long, narrow facial appearance
- A narrow upper jaw, high-arched palate or crossbite
- Crowded teeth or not enough room for adult teeth to come in
- Tongue thrust, a low resting tongue posture or ongoing thumb sucking
- Grinding teeth at night
These signs can have several causes, including enlarged tonsils or adenoids and allergies. An evaluation helps us understand whether jaw development is part of the picture and whether your child would benefit from care with another specialist.
Airway Warning Signs in Teens and Adults
Airway concerns do not end in childhood. Many teens and adults live with the effects of a narrow jaw without realizing it. Common signs include:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Waking up tired, with a dry mouth or with morning headaches
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- A narrow smile with dark spaces at the corners
- A crossbite or crowding that returned after earlier orthodontic treatment
- Difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose
For adults, we offer options such as MARPE non-surgical expansion and surgical orthodontics, and we coordinate with physicians when a sleep disorder may be involved.
Our Orthodontic Airway Evaluation
Every airway consultation at our Rochester and Brockport area offices is thorough, gentle and focused on the whole patient.
Health and Sleep History
We ask about breathing habits, snoring, sleep quality, allergies, tonsils and adenoids, and daytime energy so we understand the full story.
Clinical Exam
We evaluate the width and shape of the palate, the position of both jaws, tongue posture, lip seal, facial profile and bite.
Digital Records
Using iTero digital scanning and orthodontic X-rays, we create a detailed picture of your teeth and jaws without messy impressions.
A Coordinated Plan
When we see signs that point beyond orthodontics, we recommend follow-up with your pediatrician, family physician, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, a sleep physician or a myofunctional therapist. Airway health is a team effort, and we are happy to share our findings with your other providers.
Airway-Focused Orthodontic Treatment Options
Palatal Expansion for Children
In growing children, the two halves of the upper jaw are joined by a flexible growth seam called the midpalatal suture. A palatal expander gradually widens the upper jaw along this seam, which can increase space in the nasal passages, correct crossbites and create room for adult teeth.
Early (Phase 1) Orthodontic Treatment
Early treatment for children uses the natural growth window to guide jaw development, improve bite relationships and support healthy oral habits. Many children who receive early care need a shorter or simpler second phase later.
Jaw Growth Guidance
For children with a lower jaw that sits too far back, functional appliances can encourage forward growth during key developmental years, which may also help open the space behind the tongue.
MARPE for Teens and Adults
Once the midpalatal suture begins to fuse, traditional expanders become less effective. MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion) anchors the expander directly to the palate so teens and adults can achieve true skeletal widening without surgery.
Braces and Clear Aligners Planned Around the Airway
When we plan metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign or our in-house clear aligners, we consider arch width and tongue space alongside tooth alignment. Whenever it is appropriate, we look for ways to create room through expansion rather than narrowing the arch.
Surgical Orthodontics
For adults with significant jaw imbalances, surgical orthodontics performed with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can reposition the jaws to improve both the bite and the airway.
The Growth Window: Why Timing Matters
One of the most valuable things about airway orthodontics is how much can be accomplished while a child is still growing. Between roughly ages 6 and 12, the upper jaw responds well to expansion and the lower jaw can be guided forward. Treating during this window is typically more comfortable, more predictable and less involved than correcting the same concerns in adulthood.
That does not mean adults are out of options. Modern techniques like MARPE have changed what is possible for older patients. Still, if you notice mouth breathing, snoring or crowding in your child, an early visit gives your family the most choices and the best chance to address concerns while they are small.
Why Families Choose Bateman Orthodontics
- Board-certified orthodontic care through the American Board of Orthodontics
- Treatment for all ages, from early childhood through adulthood
- iTero digital scanning for precise, comfortable records
- Three convenient offices in Brockport, Irondequoit and Greece
- Complimentary, no-pressure consultations and virtual appointment options
- A welcoming, family-friendly and laughter-filled atmosphere
Schedule an Airway Consultation in Rochester or Brockport
Healthy breathing supports healthy growth, restful sleep and a confident smile. If you have noticed mouth breathing, snoring or crowding in yourself or your child, our team is here to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation at our Brockport (175 East Avenue), Irondequoit (564 East Ridge Road #101, Rochester) and Greece (505 Long Pond Road, Rochester) offices, or start with a virtual appointment from home.
Request Your Airway Consultation