At Wright Orthodontics, we look beyond straight teeth. Dr. Marc S. Wright evaluates the relationship among the teeth, jaws, palate, facial growth and bite while also considering breathing and sleep-related concerns reported by patients or parents.
When orthodontic treatment can address a structural concern, we explain the available options. When concerns extend beyond orthodontics, we coordinate care with the appropriate medical or surgical specialists.
Signs That May Warrant an Evaluation
Consider an orthodontic evaluation if you or your child experiences:
- Mouth breathing, snoring or restless sleep
- Chronic nasal congestion
- A narrow upper jaw or high palate
- Crossbite or significant dental crowding
- Abnormal tongue posture or tongue thrust
- Persistent thumb or finger habits
- Jaw imbalance or significant bite problems
- Concerns about facial or jaw development
These findings do not necessarily indicate an airway or sleep disorder, but they can be important considerations during an orthodontic evaluation.
What Is Airway-Focused Orthodontics?
Airway-focused orthodontics considers how the teeth, jaws, palate, bite and facial growth relate to a patient’s overall anatomy and reported breathing concerns.
A narrow upper jaw, crossbite, significant crowding or jaw discrepancy may be identified during an orthodontic examination. Our goal is to determine what orthodontics can appropriately address and when evaluation by another healthcare specialist may be beneficial.
How We Evaluate
Every evaluation begins with a discussion of the patient’s health history, orthodontic concerns, and any reported breathing or sleep concerns.
Dr. Wright evaluates the teeth, jaws, palate, bite, facial structure and growth pattern. Our iTero Lumina scanner provides a detailed digital model of the teeth and bite.
When clinically indicated, CBCT imaging provides a three-dimensional view of the teeth, jaws, facial structures and upper-airway anatomy. These images can provide valuable information for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Palatal Expansion
For growing patients with a narrow upper jaw or crossbite, palatal expansion may be recommended to increase maxillary width, improve the bite and create additional space for developing permanent teeth.
Expansion is generally most predictable while a child is still growing.
Invisalign Palatal Expanders
For appropriate younger patients, Invisalign Palatal Expanders may provide a removable, digitally designed alternative to traditional expansion. Dr. Wright will determine whether this approach is appropriate based on the patient’s age, growth and orthodontic needs.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Early evaluation allows Dr. Wright to identify developing problems with jaw growth, crossbites, crowding and oral habits while growth remains. When indicated, Phase One treatment may include palatal expansion, limited braces or Invisalign First.
Braces and Clear Aligners
Braces and Invisalign can be used to align the teeth and correct many bite problems. Treatment recommendations depend on the patient’s age, growth, dental alignment and underlying jaw relationships.
Adult Palatal Expansion and Orthognathic Surgery
Because jaw growth is largely complete in adults, significant skeletal discrepancies may require a different approach.
For some adults, orthodontic treatment alone may not fully address a narrow upper jaw or underlying jaw discrepancy. Dr. Wright may coordinate treatment with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to evaluate options such as surgically assisted palatal expansion or orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
When surgical treatment is appropriate, orthodontics can be coordinated with the surgical plan.
Myofunctional Therapy and Oral Habits
Tongue posture, tongue thrust, mouth breathing and other oral habits may affect orthodontic treatment and stability. When appropriate, Dr. Wright may recommend evaluation by a myofunctional therapist or another healthcare professional as part of a coordinated treatment approach.
Coordinated Care With Your Healthcare Team
Some breathing concerns may involve enlarged tonsils or adenoids, nasal obstruction, sleep-disordered breathing or other conditions outside the scope of orthodontics.
When appropriate, we may recommend evaluation by an ENT, pediatrician, sleep medicine physician, myofunctional therapist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Our goal is to work collaboratively so that each provider addresses the areas within their expertise.
Airway-Aware Orthodontic Care at Every Age
Children
Growth provides opportunities to address narrow arches, crossbites, crowding and certain jaw-growth concerns at an early age.
Teens
Orthodontic treatment can address many dental and skeletal concerns while growth remains. Whether expansion or growth modification is appropriate depends on the individual patient.
Adults
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment, but significant skeletal discrepancies may require multidisciplinary treatment, including evaluation for palatal expansion or orthognathic surgery.
Why Families Choose Wright Orthodontics for Airway-Focused Care
Dr. Marc S. Wright earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and completed his postgraduate specialty training in orthodontics at Howard University. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and has been treating Georgia families for over 20 years.
At Wright Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to orthodontic care. In addition to evaluating the teeth and bite, Dr. Wright considers the jaws, palate, facial growth and any breathing or sleep-related concerns reported by the patient or family.
Our advanced technology, including digital scanning and in-office CBCT imaging when clinically indicated, provides detailed information to assist with orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. When a patient’s needs extend beyond orthodontics, we coordinate care with appropriate medical and surgical specialists.
With convenient offices in Atlanta on North Druid Hills Road and Marietta on Whitlock Avenue, Wright Orthodontics provides individualized orthodontic care for children, teens and adults throughout the greater Atlanta area.
Schedule a Consultation in Atlanta or Marietta
If you have concerns about your child’s or your own teeth, bite, jaw development, palate or breathing, an orthodontic evaluation can be a helpful first step.
At your consultation, Dr. Wright will evaluate your orthodontic needs, explain what orthodontic treatment may address, and recommend additional medical or surgical evaluation when appropriate.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free consultation online, or call or text our office today.
- Atlanta: 3019-B North Druid Hills Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
- Marietta: 990 B Whitlock Ave. NW, Marietta, GA 30064
- Call or text: (404) 417-0771