When you think about orthodontics, what comes to mind? For many, it’s all about braces and achieving that perfect smile. But at Glass Orthodontics, Dr. Glass takes a broader view. He focuses on things that not many orthodontists do: Myofunctional Therapy and TAD expansion. These approaches don’t just make your teeth look good—they can also improve your breathing and overall health. It’s important to understand how orthodontics can help open your airway and why it matters.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional Therapy is all about training the muscles in your mouth, face, and tongue to work properly. Many of us develop habits—like mouth breathing or improper tongue posture—that can lead to health issues down the road. By correcting these habits, Myofunctional Therapy can help open your airway, making it easier to breathe, especially when you sleep.
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Change Your Life
Integrating Myofunctional Therapy with orthodontics offers several benefits:
- Better Breathing: By training the muscles in your mouth and face, you’ll likely find it easier to breathe through your nose, reducing the need to mouth breathe.
- Improved Sleep: A clear airway means better sleep quality, which can boost your overall health and energy levels.
- Enhanced Appearance: Proper muscle function helps with healthy facial development, leading to a more balanced and confident look.
What is TAD Expansion?
Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD) expansion provides airway improvement by optimizing the width of the upper and lower jaw. This is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes a device that is controlled by the doctor to guide the movement of teeth over time. Glass Orthodontics is the only practice in the area that routinely uses this type of expansion. Don’t be fooled by traditional expanders that do not directly open the nasal passage and help with the airway.
Benefits of TAD Expansion
Dr. Glass loves being able to offer TAD expansion as a treatment option for his patients!
“Most kids get a direct nasal passage opening after TAD expansion and can breathe through their nose for the first time or better than they have before expansion. This often reduces or eliminates snoring. Kids do great and are always happy they did it. Parents are amazed at the changes both aesthetically and functionally they see after TAD expansion.”
Why Does Airway Health Matter?
Having a clear airway is crucial for good health. Here’s why:
- Sleep Apnea: This condition causes your breathing to pause during sleep, leading to poor rest and even more serious health problems.
- Mouth Breathing: Many people breathe through their mouths, which can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and dental issues.
- Posture and Well-Being: How we breathe can affect our posture and even our mood. Proper airway function supports better posture and overall health.
By focusing on airway health through Myofunctional Therapy and TAD expansion, Dr. Glass doesn’t just align teeth—he’s also helping you breathe better and feel better.
What Makes Glass Orthodontics Different?
So, why choose Glass Orthodontics? Here’s what sets us apart:
- Whole-Body Approach: Dr. Glass believes in treating the whole person, not just your teeth. He uses Myofunctional Therapy or TAD expansion (when needed) to address the root causes of airway issues.
- Personalized Care: Every patient is different. Dr. Glass will work with you to create a custom treatment plan to ensure that you get the best results.
- Education and Empowerment: Dr. Glass takes the time to explain how treatment works and how it can improve your health. Knowledge is power, and he wants you to be an active participant in your treatment.
- Collaboration with Other Professionals: Dr. Glass works alongside other healthcare providers—like dentists and speech therapists—to give you comprehensive care that covers all aspects of your health.
Are you Ready?
Glass Orthodontics is about more than just a beautiful smile. If you’re ready to explore a different kind of orthodontic experience—one that helps you breathe easier and smile brighter—why not schedule a consultation with Dr. Glass? Your journey to better health starts here!
