Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting time, and we at Igel Orthodontics are looking forward to helping you on your journey to a beautiful, healthy new smile. In addition to giving you your new smile, we will address any breathing concerns identified during your consultation.

Misaligned teeth and jaws can limit airways, preventing optimal breathing. That is why every treatment plan created by Dr. Kort Igel takes into account possible airway disorders – referred to as airway orthodontics.

It is important to understand the harmful effects of sleep disorders and airway blockages by analyzing facial structure, nasal passages, sinuses and jaw development before jumping right into recommended braces or Invisalign®. Dr. Igel and his entire team are dedicated to increasing awareness of sleep apnea and stressing the importance of proper breathing and proper sleeping. Sleep apnea is a medical problem with an orthodontic solution.

All orthodontic treatment can and should be developed around sustaining the best airway possible, especially in growing children when airway problems can be caught early. Airways can be enlarged and developed. This is essential for patients suffering from sleep apnea and critical in children at risk for developing sleep apnea. A patient with sleep apnea has difficulty dealing with the structure of their airways and craniofacial anatomy.

Dr. Igel uses airway orthodontics in Omaha, Nebraska, to effectively treat growing children. He does this by expanding the arches with braces and the latest orthodontic appliances available. His treatment planning also revolves around not extracting permanent teeth whenever possible. Extracting teeth constricts the arches and takes away oral space. The same is true for retractive devices, such as a cervical traction headgear. This type of device pushes the upper jaw back, holding both jaws from moving to the proper forward position, thereby constricting the airway.

The best way to ensure your child is not at risk for developing sleep apnea is for them to see our orthodontist at a young age while their jaws are still growing.

Orthodontics is not just for kids. Adults can benefit from orthodontics as well. However, depending on your needs, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing. By using the combined approach of surgery and airway orthodontics, Dr. Igel is able to achieve some very dramatic facial changes and help with sleep apnea concerns. Traditional sleep apnea remedies (such as snoring devices and CPAP machines) can be effective, but they do not address the underlying anatomical problem, can come with side effects and can be difficult to tolerate.

At Igel Orthodontics, our No. 1 concern is you and your child’s overall health and well-being. Whether you are interested in Invisalign or braces, you can count on an individualized treatment plan to match your needs. All of us at Igel Orthodontics take great pride in upholding a standard of honest, compassionate orthodontic care, with airways being a top priority.

Set up your complimentary orthodontic treatment consultation with Dr. Igel today!

Contact us at (402) 330-1152 to schedule a complimentary consultation today! We look forward to giving you a beautiful smile for life!