Airway-Driven Orthodontics: Why Early Evaluation Can Prevent Impacted Canines and Tonsil Surgery
At Elite Orthodontics, we often meet families who are referred to us for issues like impacted canines or crowding—but what we uncover is sometimes much bigger than just dental alignment. One recent case highlights how airway-driven orthodontics can make a lifelong difference in a child’s health, breathing, and smile.
A Real Case: Two Kids, Narrow Palates, and Impacted Canines
A mother brought her 10-year-old and 12-year-old children to our office after their dentist grew concerned about impacted canines and narrow palates. One of the children was also scheduled for tonsil removal surgery the following week.
On closer examination, we discovered more than just impacted teeth:
- The child was a mouth breather
- He snored at night
- He experienced teeth grinding during sleep
These are not just dental issues—they are signs of a much bigger problem: an airway issue.
The Hidden Link: Narrow Arches, Impacted Canines, and Airway Problems
Many parents (and even some dentists) don’t realize the connection between a narrow upper jaw (palate) and airway health. Here’s how it all ties together:
- A narrow arch reduces space for permanent teeth, causing impactions (like canines getting stuck).
- That same narrow palate also restricts nasal airflow, forcing children to breathe through their mouths.
- Mouth breathing can contribute to enlarged tonsils/adenoids, restless sleep, and poor facial development.
So while the dentist saw impacted canines, the root cause was an airway problem that had gone unnoticed.
How Airway Orthodontics Could Have Helped Earlier
If these children had visited an airway-focused orthodontist around age 7 or 8, treatment would have looked much different:
- Palatal expansion would have widened the upper jaw, creating room for canines to erupt naturally.
- Expansion would also increase nasal airway space, encouraging nose breathing instead of mouth breathing.
- Studies show that children who undergo palatal expansion often see a reduction in enlarged tonsils and adenoids—sometimes preventing the need for surgery altogether.
By intervening early, impacted canines and tonsil removal might have been avoided.
Why Parents Shouldn’t Wait
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. This is especially important if your child:
- Snores or mouth breathes at night
- Has crowding or impacted teeth
- Grinds their teeth in their sleep
- Has been recommended for tonsil or adenoid removal
- Shows signs of a narrow jaw or palate
An airway-driven orthodontist doesn’t just look at teeth—they evaluate the bigger picture of breathing, growth, and facial development.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Impacted canines and narrow palates are often linked to airway issues.
- Mouth breathing and snoring in kids should never be ignored.
- Early orthodontic treatment like palatal expansion can improve both smiles and breathing.
- Seeing an airway-driven orthodontist at age 7 can prevent future surgeries and complicated orthodontic problems.
Concerned about your child’s breathing or crowded teeth? Schedule an early orthodontic evaluation at Elite Orthodontics. We specialize in airway-driven orthodontics to help children breathe better, sleep better, and grow healthier—all while building confident smiles.
