FAQs About Airway-Focused Dental Care

Answers for Parents, Adults, and Anyone Curious About Breathing, Jaw Development, or Sleep Issues

At Strong Ties Oral Health, we provide airway-centered care for children and adults—from early jaw development to sleep-disordered breathing support and TMJ therapy. Many of our patients come to us after being told to "wait and see." If you're concerned about mouth breathing, narrow jaws, sleep struggles, or facial growth, you're not alone—and your instincts are valid.

This page covers the most common questions we hear from concerned parents and health-aware adults looking for clarity and real solutions.

A young child in early orthodontic airway denistry treatment is holding her removable expander with a smile on her face.

  • Yes, mouth breathing, snoring, and restless sleep often signal airway obstruction or underdeveloped jaws. These can affect sleep, focus, growth, and facial development.

  • We start seeing children as early as age 3, but many parents bring kids between ages 4–12. Earlier intervention can reduce or even prevent the need for braces, extractions, or surgery later.

  • Yes. Airway health and jaw function don’t always correlate with how teeth look. Even with straight teeth, your child may struggle with breathing, tongue posture, or oral habits that need support.

  • Absolutely. Oral dysfunction, tongue-tie, or breathing issues can contribute to picky eating, speech delays, or behavioral challenges. We collaborate with speech and feeding therapists to address root causes.

  • By addressing growth and airway issues while the face is still developing, we can often avoid extractions, improve sleep, and create long-term health, not just straight teeth.

  • Signs include crowded teeth, mouth breathing, dark under-eye circles, snoring, or a high-arched roof of the mouth. These may indicate an airway or growth issue.

FAQs for Parents of Children Ages 4–12

Adult experiencing TMJ pain

  • Yes, we offer advanced adult expansion techniques like MSE and MARPE to address narrow palates, poor breathing, TMJ pain, and facial asymmetry.

  • Many of our adult patients want to improve jaw width, breathing, or facial balance without surgery. We’ll evaluate if non-surgical expansion is right for your case.

  • We provide functional, airway-first TMJ care by addressing muscle strain, jaw imbalance, posture, and breathing, not just managing pain.

  • Yes, many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea benefit from oral appliances or airway-centered treatments that support better breathing at night.

  • Yes, over time, proper tongue posture can help support facial growth and balance. It’s especially effective when paired with myofunctional therapy or expansion.

Adult Jaw Expansion, Sleep & TMJ FAQs

The child is using a pinwheel during a myofunctional therapy exercise used to strengthen and tone facial structure and improve tongue posture

  • It’s a specialized approach that looks beyond teeth to evaluate how you breathe, sleep, and develop. We use this to guide treatment for children and adults experiencing issues related to poor oral posture, narrow jaws, or disrupted sleep.

  • We don’t just straighten teeth, we guide jaw growth, breathing patterns, and facial balance. Our work includes palatal expansion, myofunctional therapy, and tongue-tie support for a more complete approach to health.

  • Yes. Myofunctional therapy strengthens the muscles used for breathing, speaking, and swallowing. It’s often paired with expansion, tongue-tie release, or sleep therapy.

  • Yes. TMJ dysfunction and poor jaw alignment can cause muscle tension, chronic headaches, and neck strain. We look at the full body connection.

Airway Dentistry & Orthodontics Explained

Meeting with your doctor or dentist virtually from the comfort of your home.

  • Your visit includes detailed imaging, breathing assessments, and a facial growth review. We take time to explain everything and answer all your questions. No rushed exams.

  • We’re out-of-network, but we’ll help you submit claims. This allows us to provide unrushed, customized care without insurance constraints.

  • Most of our appliances are small, removable, and designed for comfort. We focus on solutions that support compliance and real-life wear.

  • Yes, virtual consults are available for initial screenings, check-ins, and therapy support. We’ll let you know what can be done remotely vs. in person.

Appointments, Insurance & Logistics

Still Have Questions?

Let’s Talk.

Whether you're exploring early airway care for your child or considering adult jaw expansion, we’re here to help.

We’re conveniently located in Apple Valley, proudly serving families across:

  • Apple Valley

  • Eagan

  • Burnsville

  • Lakeville

  • Rosemount

  • Savage

  • And surrounding Twin Cities communities

7600 W 147th St. W #202

Apple Valley, MN

Hours
Monday–Wednesday
8am–4pm

Thursday
8am–12pm