Pediatric Airway Dentistry: Healthier Futures Start Here

Quality sleep is vital for growing kids. At Crosspointe Dental and Orthodontics, Dr. Coerver treats early airway issues, like narrow arches and tongue restrictions, so children can breathe easier, thrive, and avoid bigger problems down the road.

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Why Pediatric Airway Issues Matter

Good sleep means better growth, focus, and healthy development for kids. Airway problems in children can appear as:

  • Snoring or noisy breathing at night
  • Mouth breathing
  • Restless sleep or frequent waking
  • Bedwetting beyond the typical age
  • Daytime fatigue, hyperactivity, or focus struggles

Advanced Screening for Children

Dr. Coerver uses child-friendly evaluations and technology to identify airway challenges, including:

  • Panoramic X-rays (pano) and cephalometric X-rays (ceph)
  • Cone Beam CT scans (CBCT)
  • Jaw measurements and facial growth patterns
  • Photos to monitor changes over time
  • Evaluation of tongue restriction, lip and buccal ties, and tonsil size

Treatment Options for Mansfield, TX, Kids

Every child’s airway orthodontic treatment plan is personalized with our team. This multi-disciplinary approach allows us to give our young patients the tools they need to breathe, sleep, and grow properly. Common therapies include:

  • Upper and lower fixed expanders (sometimes combined with braces) to widen arches
  • Clear aligner trays for children as young as three, worn only at night and changed every seven days, making them an effective and gentle alternative for kids too young for expanders
  • Collaboration with ENTs, oral myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, sleep physicians, and lactation consultants when appropriate
  • Removable Guidance Appliances to aid and support proper jaw development and nasal breathing

Why Choose Airway Orthodontics for Your Child?

Airway orthodontics addresses oral health beyond straight teeth. As a dedicated airway dentist, Dr. Coerver helps parents take a proactive step toward lifelong wellness. With early intervention and personalized treatment, airway orthodontics helps children:

  • Improve sleep quality and energy
  • Support healthy growth and facial development
  • Enhance focus and school performance
  • Reduce the risk of long-term dental and airway problems

Concerned about your child’s breathing or sleep? Contact Crosspointe Dental and Orthodontics in Mansfield, TX today to schedule a pediatric airway orthodontics consultation.

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Hi, I’m Ashley, an orthotropic dentist, and I know what your child is going through, because I went through it, too.

Dr. Coerver is an orthotropic dentist who truly understands children with sleep and airway challenges, because she was one of them. As a child, she had periods of sleepwalking and insomnia, and as a young adult she needed medication just to sleep. Five years ago she pursued advanced training in sleep and airway care, discovered she had a sleep-breathing disorder, and completed treatment. She no longer needs sleep medication and wakes rested and clear-headed. Today she helps families spot these issues early, guides healthy jaw and airway growth, and creates gentle, step-by-step plans that help kids sleep better and feel their best.

Airway Orthodontics for Kids – FAQs

At what age should my child be evaluated for airway orthodontics?

Early screening is recommended as young as age three. Pediatric airway evaluations help identify sleep-disordered breathing, tongue restrictions, and narrow arches before they create long-term health or growth problems.

What are the signs my child may need pediatric airway orthodontics?

Look for symptoms, like snoring, noisy breathing, mouth breathing, frequent waking, bedwetting, daytime fatigue, or difficulty focusing in school. These may indicate pediatric airway concerns that require treatment.

How do clear aligner trays work for young children?

Clear aligner trays are a newer option for kids as young as three. They are worn only at night, changed every seven days, and gently guide jaw and arch development. This can be an excellent alternative for children too young to tolerate expanders.

What specialists are involved in pediatric airway treatment?

As your child’s airway dentist, Dr. Coerver partners with ENTs, oral myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, sleep physicians, and lactation consultants (for tongue ties and feeding issues.)

Will airway orthodontics change how my child’s smile looks?

Yes, and in the best way. By expanding arches and correcting restrictions, pediatric airway orthodontics improves both airway function and smile aesthetics. Kids often gain straighter teeth, better facial balance, and healthier breathing.