Airway Dentistry & Snoring Solutions
 Disrupted breathing during sleep can impact your overall health more than you may realize. At Summit Dental Group, we specialize in airway dentistry and snoring solutions to help patients across Fort Wayne and Huntington, Indiana breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more energized. Our focus is on identifying the root causes of airway obstruction and tailoring treatments to support long-term wellness.
What Is Airway Dentistry?
Airway dentistry focuses on how your oral structures—such as the tongue, jaw, and palate—affect your ability to breathe, particularly during sleep. A restricted or narrow airway can lead to issues like snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At Summit Dental Group, we assess the anatomy of your airway using digital imaging, sleep assessments, and detailed oral exams. Our goal is to determine whether your dental or skeletal structures may be contributing to breathing challenges, especially at night.
By addressing the airway as part of overall dental care, we go beyond traditional dentistry to offer solutions that can improve your sleep, energy levels, and even long-term heart health.
Common Symptoms of Airway-Related Issues
Many people are unaware that common issues like chronic fatigue or persistent snoring may stem from poor airway function. Symptoms may vary between adults and children, but in both cases, identifying the signs early can prevent long-term complications.
| • |
Loud Snoring - Frequently disturbs others and may indicate restricted airflow during sleep.
|
| • |
Daytime Fatigue - Waking up feeling tired or falling asleep easily during the day may suggest poor sleep quality.
|
| • |
Mouth Breathing - Especially in children, can signal improper oral development and airway restriction.
|
| • |
Frequent Nighttime Awakenings - Including gasping or choking episodes.
|
| • |
Dark Circles and Irritability in Kids - These can result from fragmented sleep caused by airway obstruction. |
Many patients don’t realize their symptoms are linked to dental structure until they undergo a comprehensive airway evaluation.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea: What’s the Difference?
While both are forms of sleep-disordered breathing, snoring and sleep apnea differ in severity. Snoring is often the first sign of a restricted airway but doesn’t always mean apnea is present. Obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA), however, involves repeated pauses in breathing that disrupt sleep and reduce oxygen levels.
Airway dentistry offers targeted treatment options for both conditions, often without the need for CPAP machines. At our Fort Wayne and Huntington offices, we tailor each plan to your specific needs and health goals.
How Our Airway Dentistry Treatments Work
Our approach to airway-focused dental care starts with a thorough diagnosis and may involve a combination of techniques to restore proper breathing function.
| • |
Custom Oral Appliances
- Devices worn during sleep to gently reposition the jaw and keep the airway open.
|
| • |
Myofunctional Therapy
- Exercises to retrain tongue and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing and correct oral posture.
|
| • |
Expansion Appliances - Especially for children, these widen the dental arch to create more space in the airway.
|
| • |
Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy)
- When appropriate, this procedure improves tongue mobility and supports proper airway function.
|
| • |
Collaborative Sleep Studies - We work with local sleep physicians when formal diagnosis of sleep apnea is needed. |
Our dental team is highly trained in airway-focused interventions, providing effective, non-invasive alternatives to traditional sleep apnea therapies.
Pediatric Airway Dentistry in Fort Wayne & Huntington
Children with airway restrictions often show signs that are mistaken for behavioral or developmental issues. At Summit Dental Group, we evaluate children for airway function as part of their regular dental care, offering early intervention that can significantly improve their sleep and growth.
| • |
Bedwetting Beyond Age 5 - May be linked to disrupted deep sleep from breathing problems.
|
| • |
ADHD-Like Symptoms - Poor sleep can result in inattentiveness or hyperactivity.
|
| • |
Crowded Teeth or Narrow Palate - Oral indicators of underdeveloped airways.
|
| • |
Chronic Allergies or Enlarged Tonsils - Can worsen airway obstruction, especially at night. |
Early treatment can lead to healthier breathing patterns, improved focus, and fewer health complications later in life.
Why Choose Summit Dental Group for Airway Dentistry?
With three convenient locations in Indiana—two in Fort Wayne and one in Huntington—Summit Dental Group combines modern dental care with advanced airway diagnostics to deliver whole-health solutions.
| • |
Comprehensive Assessments - We evaluate both dental and airway structures for a full-picture diagnosis.
|
| • |
Non-Invasive Treatments - Focused on long-term airway support without surgery or CPAP reliance.
|
| • |
Child-Focused Expertise - Our team is trained to identify early airway signs in developing children.
|
| • |
Integrated Approach - Collaboration with medical professionals ensures seamless care when necessary. |
Our dental practice is committed to helping patients breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier lives through customized airway dentistry.
FAQs
What is the goal of airway dentistry?
The primary goal of airway dentistry is to identify and treat dental or structural issues that affect a person's ability to breathe properly, particularly during sleep. It helps reduce symptoms like snoring, fatigue, and sleep apnea by improving airflow through the airway.
How do I know if my snoring is a sign of a more serious problem?
If your snoring is accompanied by choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, or frequent awakenings, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. An evaluation by a trained airway dentist or a sleep study can help determine the cause.
Are oral appliances effective for sleep apnea?
Yes, custom oral appliances can be highly effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. These appliances work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
Can airway issues be treated in children?
Yes, early diagnosis and treatment of airway issues in children can lead to better sleep, improved behavior, and proper oral development. Treatments may include expansion appliances, myofunctional therapy, or a tongue tie release, depending on the child’s needs. |
