Airway Evaluation & Treatment in El Paso

Better Breathing,
Happier Life

At Gross Orthodontics, Dr. Amanda Grossl treats airway issues that can impact your sleep and overall health. Through comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatment plans, our goal is to help you breathe better, sleep better, and ultimately, live better.

Understanding Airways

Breathing easily is one of life’s simplest yet most essential joys. Unfortunately, many children, teens, and adults today struggle with sleep breathing disorders (SBD), such as pediatric sleep apnea (PSA) and adult sleep apnea (ASA). These conditions often go undiagnosed, leading to long-term health complications and decreased quality of life.

At Gross Orthodontics, Dr. Gross uses a comprehensive approach to assess how your orthodontic issues may be contributing to trouble breathing. Through modern diagnostics and personalized treatment plans, we can straighten your teeth and improve your airway function, helping you or your child breathe easier and live healthier.

Benefits of Airway Evaluation

Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth — it can also play a key role in improving breathing by addressing structural issues in the mouth and jaw that may be obstructing the airway.

For patients with sleep breathing disorders (SBD) like sleep apnea, improper alignment of the teeth and jaws can narrow the airway, making it harder to breathe while sleeping.

Jaw Alignment

One of the most common causes of airway obstruction is an improperly aligned jaw. Orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners can help correct bite problems (like overbites or underbites) that contribute to a restricted airway.

By repositioning the jaws, orthodontics can open up the space in the throat, allowing for easier airflow.

Expanding the Palate

In children and some adults, a narrow upper jaw can crowd the teeth and reduce the space available for proper breathing.

Palatal expanders, a type of orthodontic device, gently widen the upper arch over time, creating more room for the tongue and improving airflow through the nasal passages.

Improving Facial Structure

Orthodontic treatment during the growth phase of children can guide the proper development of the facial bones and airway structures.

By optimizing the growth of the jaw and face, orthodontics can help prevent issues like mouth breathing, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Supporting Overall Health

Proper breathing isn’t just about comfort — it’s vital for overall health.

When airway obstructions are corrected, patients often experience better sleep, improved energy levels, and a reduced risk of related health problems, such as cardiovascular issues, headaches, or behavioral disorders in children.

Adult Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious condition for adults, affecting more than 18 million people in the United States, with the majority experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of major health concerns like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and obesity.

The good news is that orthodontic care can play an important role in managing and, in some cases, improving sleep apnea symptoms. At Gross Orthodontics in El Paso, Dr. Gross creates personalized treatment plans to help adults dealing with airway issues and sleep-related concerns find relief.

With advanced technology and a collaborative approach, we focus on reducing airway obstruction to support easier breathing and more restful, restorative sleep.

Early Airway Orthodontics

Many children experience breathing issues that can impact their overall health and development. Pediatric sleep apnea (PSA) is one type of sleep-disordered breathing that, if left untreated, can affect a child’s growth, learning, and even facial development.

Dr. Gross focuses on catching these concerns early. By addressing airway issues during key growth years, we can help guide your child toward healthier breathing, better sleep, and more balanced development.

5 Questions to Ask About Your Child's Breathing

If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing or sleep habits, it can help to start with a few simple questions:

  • Is your child struggling to reach their full potential at school or in social settings?
  • Do they snore while sleeping?
  • Do they often have nasal congestion or breathe through their mouth? (Mouth breathing can contribute to crooked teeth, facial imbalance, and getting sick more often.)
  • Are they frequently hyperactive or having trouble focusing? Poor sleep and breathing issues can sometimes look like ADHD.
  • Has your dentist or orthodontist mentioned crowded teeth or a narrow arch?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, your child may benefit from an airway evaluation. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic check by age seven

Schedule Your Airway Appointment

If you or your child is experiencing signs of sleep apnea or other airway-related issues, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment at Gross Orthodontics in El Paso to start on the path toward better breathing and a happier, healthier life. Dr. Gross and her experienced team are here to support you every step of the way!