We don't just treat symptoms - we identify why you or your child is struggling and create a personalized plan to help you breathe better, sleep better, and develop properly. Our approach combines advanced diagnostics with gentle, effective therapies tailored to your unique needs.
Comprehensive Airway Care for the Whole Family
better breathing starts here
Tots are tight, restrictive connective tissue in the areas of the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Having these restricted tissues can present in different ways according to age. In babies there is usually difficulty in latching and/or discomfort for the mother when trying to breast feed. Symptoms can also present as reflux or colic, excessive drooling, and poor weight gain. In children you may notice issues chewing new foods, speech problems, open mouth posture or mouth breathing, tooth wear, and teeth grinding. For adults symptoms persist as teeth grinding, digestive problems, tension in the neck and shoulders, trouble moving food around in the mouth, and possibly a gap between the front teeth.
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS)
By identifying and treating airway issues early in life, we can prevent long-term health complications and support proper growth and development. We recognize that the structure of the mouth, jaw, and tongue plays a crucial role in how well a person can breathe, particularly during sleep. Poor breathing during sleep can lead to improper growth of the face, jaws, and nasal cavity, poor posture, enlargement of tonsils and adenoids, hyperactivity or behavioral problems, bed wetting, teeth grinding, snoring, and reflux. If left untreated, it can develop into issues in adulthood like chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disorders, sleep apnea, and digestive problems.
Airway Dentistry in Children
Understanding Airway Health
Airway Screening and Diagnostics
Our airway screening includes a clinical exam evaluating oral ties, jaw and teeth development, a functional and breathing assessment, and education on managing nasal hygiene and allergies. We also obtain a digital 3D scan of the teeth and a digital low-radiation Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) image. This provides detailed 3D pictures of the airway, teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures, including the nasal cavities, sinuses, tonsils and adenoids.
Upper and Lower Arch Development
We provide full upper and lower arch development in children with deciduous or mixed dentition as early as 2 1/2 years of age. We use a variety of appliance types based on what best suits each individual including fixed and removable appliances.
Myo Munchee
We are a certified myo munchee provider and provide support and exercises that are focused around the use of this silicone chewing device designed to improve the tone and strength of the muscles in the lips, face and jaws.
Infant Oral Tie Mangement
Gentle CO2 laser treatment to improve nursing, feeding and breathing. We work collaboratively with other providers to improve structure and function.
Functional Laser Frenectomies for Children and Adults
Also known as tongue or lip tie releases. We use a clotterizing CO2 laser to release binding tissue or fascia in the tongue, lip, or cheeks. We provide full pre and post-op therapy exercises to ensure proper healing and function of the tongue and lips.
Myofunctional Therapy
A specialized training program designed to correct or improve the function and coordination of the muscles in the mouth and surrounding lips and face. We offer therapy programs for children and adults and structure appointments on an individualized basis.
Invisalign Orthodontics
Straighten teeth using a series of custom-made nearly invisible aligners. These BPA-free plastic aligners are designed to gently and gradually straighten teeth using removable clear appliances that can be taken out to eat, floss and brush.
Services
Our Services
- MADISON E.
"Dr. Chelsea is the BEST and we will never go anywhere else. Her knowledge goes far beyond what she does and she has a passion to help. She is constantly learning and adjusting to each kids unique needs. There is no one size fits all approach with her. She goes above and beyond to make kids feel comfortable, seen, heard, and cared about. My son never complains about going to see her even though he has been asked to do a lot. My daughter will be starting with her next and I know she will be in great hands too. You will not regret choosing this office as her staff is just as amazing as she is."
- KATIE B.
"I’m so grateful we found Dr. Chelsea when we did. Her knowledge and compassionate care have made a real difference— not just for my son’s health today, but for his long-term well being. He is sleeping better, breathing through his nose, and his teeth have great spacing. I highly recommend Dr. Chelsea and her staff. They truly are the best!"
- Brittany J.
"We are so grateful for Dr. Chelsea and Sarah! They have gone above and beyond for our family to ensure the best care. Sarah is patient and encouraging with teaching myself and my husband myofunctional therapy. Our daughter started her expansion at 3 years old and we have seen a wonderful improvement in the space in her mouth for her tongue and oral posture. We plan on having our next two daughters also be patients. This is a specialty area and we are so grateful that Dr. Chelsea and Sarah have committed to furthering their education to help families like ours, where oral restrictions run in our family. I highly recommend Dr. Chelsea and Sarah!!
