Airway-Focused Orthodontic Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Airway-focused orthodontic treatment (AFOT) is a contemporary approach emphasizing the role of orthodontics in optimizing airway function and overall health, rather than merely addressing dental alignment. It acknowledges the relationship between craniofacial development, breathing patterns, and sleep quality, particularly in growing children but also in adults.

1. Principles of AFOT
   AFOT integrates orthodontics with respiratory health, considering the influence of dental and jaw structure on the airway. It aims to expand the palate, improve tongue posture, and establish optimal jaw alignment, which can positively impact breathing. This approach often utilizes appliances that promote natural growth patterns and create more space for the airway, such as functional orthodontic devices, myofunctional therapy, and rapid palatal expanders.

2. Clinical Applications
   AFOT is commonly used to treat:
   • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
   • Mouth breathing and its consequences (e.g., dry mouth, altered facial growth)
   • Crowding and misalignment of teeth due to restricted arch development
   • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders linked to poor airway alignment
3. Benefits
   • Improved Breathing: By expanding the airway, AFOT reduces resistance during breathing and can alleviate OSA symptoms.
   • Enhanced Sleep Quality: A wider airway allows for better airflow, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep, especially in children.
   • Facial Development: Early intervention supports proper jaw and facial structure development, promoting a balanced, aesthetically pleasing profile.
   • Reduced Need for Surgery: In many cases, early AFOT can prevent the need for more invasive procedures like jaw surgery later in life.
4. Challenges and Considerations
   While AFOT offers promising outcomes, it requires a multidisciplinary approach involving orthodontists, ENT specialists, sleep specialists, and sometimes speech therapists. Accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning are critical, as not all patients are suitable candidates for AFOT. Additionally, the timing of intervention is vital; earlier treatments often yield better results in growing children.

   Airway-focused orthodontic treatment represents an evolution in orthodontics, emphasizing holistic health and functional outcomes. By aligning dental care with airway optimization, AFOT not only addresses dental and facial aesthetics but also contributes to improved breathing and overall quality of life.