Houston, TX Airway Orthodontist
At Mia Orthodontics, we believe that great orthodontic care goes beyond straight teeth. Our mission includes supporting the overall health and well-being of our patients—starting with how they breathe. As a trusted airway orthodontist in Houston, TX, we offer advanced treatment options designed to help children and adults improve airflow, jaw development, sleep quality, and more.
Led by board-certified orthodontist Dr. Alireza Hourfar, our practice uses cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat airway-related concerns early—helping prevent bigger health issues down the road. Whether your child snores at night, breathes through their mouth, or struggles with sleep, airway-focused orthodontics may offer a solution.
We’re proud to serve families across Houston with modern, compassionate care that puts total health first.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a modern approach to orthodontic treatment that focuses on improving the way a person breathes, in addition to aligning their teeth and jaws. Traditional orthodontics often centers around aesthetics and bite correction. Airway orthodontics, however, takes a broader view—evaluating the size, shape, and position of the jaw and facial structures that impact breathing.
In children, underdeveloped jaws or narrow palates can restrict the airway, leading to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or even obstructive sleep apnea. Airway orthodontics aims to address these issues early, guiding jaw growth and facial development in a way that supports healthy airflow and better sleep.
This proactive approach helps patients breathe better, sleep better, and feel better—setting them up for long-term wellness.
How Does Airway Orthodontics Work?
Airway orthodontics typically starts with a comprehensive evaluation, including:
- 3D imaging of the jaws, sinuses, and airway
- Breathing and sleep assessments
- Evaluation of oral habits, posture, and facial growth
- Review of medical and sleep history
If airway-related concerns are identified, Dr. Hourfar may recommend one or more of the following:
- Palatal expansion to widen the upper jaw and open the nasal passages
- Growth guidance appliances to encourage proper jaw development
- Braces or aligners as part of a broader airway-focused plan
- Habit correction for thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue posture
Every treatment plan is customized to the individual’s age, anatomy, and symptoms. In many cases, early airway intervention can reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive procedures later in life.
Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
Airway orthodontics isn’t just about comfort—it can have a profound impact on overall health. By improving breathing and sleep, patients often experience:
- Better sleep quality – Reduced snoring and fewer nighttime awakenings
- Improved focus and behavior – Especially in children with sleep-disordered breathing
- Healthier jaw and facial development – Promotes proper bite and facial symmetry
- Reduced risk of sleep apnea – Early intervention may prevent future complications
- Enhanced long-term oral health – With better alignment and breathing patterns
It’s a whole-body approach to orthodontics—and it starts with one evaluation.
Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation
Many children with airway issues show subtle or overlooked symptoms. If your child exhibits any of the following, it’s worth scheduling a consultation:
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Snoring or gasping at night
- Chronic fatigue or irritability
- Trouble focusing or ADHD-like behavior
- Crowded teeth or narrow arches
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Speech delays or nasal congestion
- Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)
The earlier we identify and address airway challenges, the more effective and comfortable the treatment will be. At Mia Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand what’s normal—and what’s not.
Airway Orthodontics for Adults
Airway concerns aren’t just limited to children. Many adults experience airway-related issues due to unresolved developmental problems from childhood or structural changes over time. These issues can lead to:
- Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
- Poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue
- TMJ pain or jaw tension
- Clenching or grinding
- Mouth breathing and dry mouth
- Relapse after orthodontic treatment
For adults, airway orthodontics often involves a collaborative approach with sleep physicians, ENTs, or myofunctional therapists. Treatment may include clear aligners, arch development, or expansion appliances—designed to improve alignment while enhancing airway function.
If you’ve never been fully satisfied with your smile—or if you’ve struggled with sleep or breathing concerns—airway orthodontics could be the missing piece.
Why Choose Mia Orthodontics?
At Mia Orthodontics, we bring together high-tech diagnostics and a patient-first philosophy to deliver care that’s modern, thorough, and highly personalized. When it comes to airway orthodontics in Houston, we stand out for our:
- Board-certified expertise – Dr. Hourfar has decades of experience and advanced airway training
- Comprehensive evaluations – Including 3D imaging, sleep screening, and functional assessments
- Customized treatment plans – Tailored for your child’s growth or your unique adult needs
- Collaborative care – We work closely with other health professionals to ensure the best outcomes
- Warm, family-friendly environment – Where patients of all ages feel respected, informed, and empowered
We’re committed to helping patients breathe easier, sleep better, and smile more confidently—for life.