Airway-Focused Orthodontics: Breathe Better, Sleep Better, Smile Brighter
Serving Culver City and West Hollywood with Invisalign, Braces, and Airway-Centered Orthodontics
Schedule Your Free ConsultationDiscover the Power of Breath in Modern Orthodontics
At our orthodontic offices in Culver City and West Hollywood, we do more than straighten teeth—we help people breathe better and feel better. Using the latest techniques in Invisalign, braces, and airway-focused orthodontics, our treatments are designed to support long-term health, not just aesthetics.
Inspired by the science-backed insights from the bestselling book Breath by James Nestor, we believe that how you breathe affects everything—from sleep to facial development to mental clarity. And the structure of your jaw plays a critical role.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Traditional orthodontics focuses on aligning teeth. Airway orthodontics takes a step further by evaluating how your bite, jaw structure, and facial growth affect your ability to breathe through your nose and maintain an open airway.
If you’ve ever Googled:
- Why do I breathe through my mouth at night?
- Can braces help me breathe better?
- Is Invisalign good for jaw alignment?
- Orthodontist for airway issues near me
You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
How Poor Jaw Development Affects Breathing
As James Nestor highlights in Breath, many modern breathing problems stem from underdeveloped jaws and narrowed airways. These issues can lead to:
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Fatigue and poor sleep quality
- Jaw tension and facial pain
- Speech or swallowing challenges
Our goal as airway-focused orthodontists in West Hollywood and Culver City is to help you correct these root causes—not just the symptoms.
Our Orthodontic Treatments That Improve Breathing
Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, our customized treatment plans focus on more than a perfect smile—they promote long-term health and well-being.
- Invisalign for Jaw Alignment and Breathing
Invisalign isn’t just about invisible aligners—it can help reposition the jaw and expand the dental arch to improve airway space and nasal breathing. Many adults choose Invisalign for its comfort, convenience, and health benefits. We may even incorporate an expander into your treatment plan for optimal palatal expansion. - Braces with a Purpose
Our braces treatments in Culver City and West Hollywood are designed with function in mind. We focus on expanding narrow palates, guiding jaw development, and creating space for the tongue to rest properly—all of which improve breathing and posture. - Early Intervention for Kids
We evaluate jaw and airway health starting as early as age 7. With the right appliances and guidance, we can encourage ideal jaw growth, reduce the risk of mouth breathing, and set the stage for a lifetime of health.
Why Nasal Breathing Matters
Nasal breathing filters, warms, and humidifies air, and allows for better oxygen absorption. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, can contribute to:
- Dry mouth and dental decay
- Poor sleep and behavior issues in children
- Low energy and brain fog in adults
We use airway orthodontics to help retrain the body toward nasal breathing, often with the support of myofunctional therapy and collaboration with ENTs and sleep doctors.
Your Local Airway Orthodontist in Culver City and West Hollywood
Looking for an orthodontist near me who understands the connection between jaw health, breathing, and braces?
You’re in the right hands.
Our practice combines cutting-edge digital imaging, customized treatment plans, and whole-body health awareness to provide Invisalign, braces, and airway assessments with lasting impact.
Ready to Breathe Better?
Don’t settle for a straight smile that compromises function. Experience the difference of orthodontic care that sees the whole picture—breath, airway, and beyond.
- 📍 Visit us in Culver City or West Hollywood
- 🦷 Schedule your consultation today
- 🌬️ Let’s talk about your smile—and how you breathe
Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers
Can orthodontics really improve my breathing?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment can expand the jaw, improve tongue posture, and open up the nasal airway, all of which can enhance your ability to breathe through your nose. Treatments like palatal expansion, Invisalign, and braces can help improve airflow, reduce mouth breathing, and support better sleep.
What is airway-focused orthodontics?
Airway-focused orthodontics is an approach that looks beyond just straightening teeth. It evaluates how your jaw, tongue, and facial structure affect your ability to breathe and sleep. The goal is to create more space for the airway and encourage natural nasal breathing—especially important for growing children.
How do I know if my child needs airway orthodontics?
Signs your child might benefit include:
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Crowded teeth at an early age
- Frequent allergies or nasal congestion
- Forward head posture or open-mouth posture during the day
An early orthodontic evaluation (around age 7) can help detect and address these issues proactively.
Can Invisalign help with jaw development and airway issues?
Yes—Invisalign can be used strategically to align the jaws and expand the arches, creating more room for the tongue and improving airway space. When used as part of a comprehensive plan, Invisalign isn’t just cosmetic—it’s functional and health-focused.
Are braces better than Invisalign for airway issues?
We find that braces and Invisalign are equally effective when it comes to cases with airway issues. We may need the assistance of a palatal expander in cases where the palatal bones are narrow.
How does mouth breathing affect facial development?
Chronic mouth breathing during childhood can lead to long, narrow faces, recessed jaws, and poor posture. It can also contribute to crowded teeth and smaller airways. Orthodontics can help reverse some of these effects by guiding jaw growth and promoting proper tongue and breathing habits.
Do you collaborate with other specialists?
Absolutely. We work with ENTs, oral surgeons, myofunctional therapists, sleep doctors, and pediatricians to ensure our patients receive comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of their symptoms.
Our goal is to make orthodontics fun and easy to understand
From our team to our design, our focus is making you comfortable and even excited to take a step towards your own long time dream of a perfect smile.
Meet Our Team
“A piece of heaven! Best staff, and I’m a huge fan of Dr. McComb! I researched three top highly recommended ortho locations, met them in person too, and fell instantly in love with Dr. McComb and his staff.”
Edie L. | Culver City, CA
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