Improving Alignment, Breathing, and Lifelong Health
At Firlik Family Dentistry and Airway Health Care in Belmont, MI, orthodontics isn’t just about creating straight smiles; it’s about improving function, facial development, and most importantly, your ability to breathe well. We take an airway-centered approach to orthodontic treatment, looking beyond crooked teeth to the structures that support healthy breathing and sleep.
If you or your child has crowded teeth, a narrow arch, or jaw misalignment, these may affect aesthetics and contribute to underlying airway issues. Our orthodontic treatment philosophy is rooted in identifying these problems early and guiding growth and alignment to promote lifelong health.
Why Orthodontics Matters for Airway Health
Traditional orthodontic care has often focused on appearance, straightening the teeth to improve the look of a smile. While this is still important, current research shows that how the jaws and facial bones develop directly impacts airway space and breathing ability. In children, underdeveloped upper or lower jaws can lead to mouth breathing, snoring, or even sleep-disordered breathing. In adults, misaligned jaws or crowded teeth may contribute to poor tongue posture, clenching, and breathing problems during sleep.
At Firlik Family Dentistry and Airway Health Care, we understand the powerful connection between facial structure and respiratory wellness. We use orthodontic strategies that support proper tongue position, encourage nasal breathing, and optimize jaw growth, especially during critical developmental years.