Bill HangDental Practitioner, Lecturer at OrthO2Health

Airway Assessment

24 Nov 2021 · 1 min

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In this brief promotional video, the speaker presents a clinical vignette of a 15‑year‑old boy with a Class I dental occlusion who never received orthodontic treatment. He exhibits symptoms of sleep‑disordered breathing, has been diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and is slated for double‑jaw surgery. The speaker argues that an early orthodontic examination and airway assessment—ideally before age 10—could have prevented or mitigated his airway issues. He highlights orthotropic treatment as a means to improve airway size in children and concludes with a call‑to‑action urging viewers to contact the practice for more information.

Chapters

Did you know? Class I patients who have not had permanent teeth removed can develop obstructive sleep apnea? This boy was 15 years old when he presented with sleep disordered breathing symptoms. He had a Class I occlusion and had never received orthodontic care. Although airway size is not diagnostic, his airway is small. He snores, has been diagnosed with moderate OSA, and is preparing for double jaw surgery. What's the point? An early orthodontic exam and airway assessment may have helped him avoid surgery. Did you know orthotropics can improve airway size in children who start treatment before age 10? A solution to help prevent and/or reverse reduction of the airway in pediatric patients is at your fingertips. Please call us to learn more.