Airway-Focused Orthodontics

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At Family Tree Orthodontics, Dr. Sheila Luwiharto provides airway-focused orthodontics designed to support not only straight teeth, but healthy breathing, proper jaw development, and long-term wellness. Our philosophy goes beyond cosmetics. We evaluate how the teeth, jaws, tongue, and airway work together to help children and adults breathe better, sleep better, and thrive.

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What Is Airway-Focused Orthodontics?

Airway-focused orthodontics is an approach that considers how jaw growth and tooth alignment affect the size and function of the airway. When the upper and lower jaws develop properly, there is more room for the tongue and better support for nasal breathing. When development is restricted, it can contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, and other airway concerns.

Rather than waiting until all permanent teeth erupt, Dr. Sheila Luwiharto carefully evaluates facial growth patterns early. This allows us to guide jaw development at the right time, when growth can make the biggest difference.

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Why the Airway Matters

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Healthy breathing is foundational to overall health. Children who struggle with airway issues may experience:

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring or noisy breathing at night

• Restless sleep

• Daytime fatigue

• Difficulty focusing

• Narrow dental arches or crowding

In adults, airway limitations can contribute to chronic mouth breathing, jaw discomfort, and sleep-related concerns.

By identifying structural risk factors early, Family Tree Orthodontics can create a personalized treatment plan that supports both function and aesthetics.

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Our Comprehensive Evaluation

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At your consultation, Dr. Sheila Luwiharto performs a thorough assessment that may include:

• Evaluation of facial growth and jaw development

• Dental arch width and crowding analysis

• Bite relationship (overbite, underbite, crossbite)

• Tongue posture and oral habits

• Breathing patterns (nasal vs. mouth breathing)

When appropriate, we collaborate with pediatricians, ENTs, sleep specialists, and myofunctional therapists to provide comprehensive care. Our goal is to be part of a team approach that prioritizes your child’s long-term health.

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Airway-Focused Treatment Options

• Every patient is unique. Depending on age and diagnosis, treatment may include:

• 1. Early Interceptive Orthodontics

• Guiding jaw growth during childhood to create more space for permanent teeth and support airway development.

• 2. Palatal Expansion

• Widening a narrow upper jaw to improve nasal airflow and create space for proper tongue posture.

• 3. Growth Modification

• Using orthopedic appliances during growth spurts to improve jaw alignment.

• 4. Aligners and Braces

• Aligning teeth while maintaining proper arch form and supporting functional balance.

• Treatment plans are customized to balance facial harmony, bite stability, and airway support.

Why Choose Dr. Sheila Luwiharto?

With years of orthodontic experience and a commitment to whole-health dentistry, Dr. Sheila Luwiharto combines advanced orthodontic techniques with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. As a mother, she understands the importance of healthy growth and long-term wellness for every child.

Family Tree Orthodontics is dedicated to:

• Early identification of airway concerns

• Conservative, growth-guided treatment

• Collaboration with healthcare providers

• Creating beautiful smiles that function well

We believe orthodontics should do more than straighten teeth—it should help patients breathe confidently and live fully.​

Schedule an Airway Orthodontic Consultation

If you are concerned about your child’s breathing, snoring, mouth breathing, or crowded teeth, early evaluation can make a meaningful difference. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7, and airway-focused evaluation can begin even earlier when concerns are present.

Contact Family Tree Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheila Luwiharto and learn how airway-focused orthodontics can support your child’s health, development, and smile for years to come.

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