Glossary

A philosophy of care that considers how oral structures (teeth, jaws, tongue) affect breathing, sleep, and overall health. It prioritizes optimal breathing, airway patency, and craniofacial development in diagnosis and treatment planning. It sees malocclusion and skeletal discrepancies as potential indicators of airway dysfunction rather than isolated dental problems.

A modern orthodontic paradigm that prioritizes optimizing upper airway volume, promoting nasal breathing, and supporting forward facial growth. Treatment targets root causes like poor rest oral posture, narrow palate, or retrusive jaws to improve breathing, sleep quality, and long-term craniofacial health, rather than focusing solely on tooth alignment or traditional "ideal" occlusion. Its goal is to expand or optimize the upper airway volume and facial growth, and often involves early intervention to promote proper forward facial development, and avoid extractions or retraction that could narrow the airway.

Partial or complete blockage of airflow, often occurring during sleep due to soft tissue collapse or anatomical restrictions.

Lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx; enlarged adenoids can contribute to mouth breathing and airway restriction

A sleep disorder marked by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to fragmented rest and systemic health issues.

A measure used in sleep studies to quantify the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It counts the average number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep. Airway-centric dentists often refer to AHI when assessing the need for oral appliance therapy or structural corrections.

Custom dental device used to reposition the jaw or tongue to improve airway patency during sleep.

Enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils that can constrict the airway, often contributing to mouth breathing, snoring, and altered craniofacial growth.

Malocclusion where the front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth do, often associated with tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, or airway restriction.

Involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep. It is frequently a protective mechanism against airway collapse (compensatory action to advance the mandible/jaw and open the airway).

The visible space between the teeth and inner cheeks when smiling; a narrow corridor can indicate maxillary constriction impacting nasal airflow.

The functional movements and forces of the mandible, relevant in maintaining airway space during rest and sleep.

3D imaging used to evaluate airway volume, jaw position, and anatomical structures.

Growth of the skull and face; improper development can lead to airway restriction. Airway-centric dentistry emphasizes guiding growth to ensure adequate airway volume and nasal breathing.

A device used to treat sleep apnea by delivering continuous air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. It delivers pressurized air via a mask to keep the airway open. Airway-centric dentists often collaborate on cases where CPAP is not tolerated, offering oral appliance alternatives.

Malocclusion where upper teeth sit inside lower teeth (posterior) or lower inside upper (anterior). Often tied to narrow maxilla and restricted nasal airway; airway-centric treatment frequently uses expansion to correct.

A standardized side-view X-ray of the head used to measure skeletal relationships, jaw positions, and airway dimensions (e.g., pharyngeal airway space). Essential in airway-focused diagnostics to assess retrognathia, vertical patterns, or narrow airways.

The pathway for air from the nose/mouth through the pharynx to the lungs. In dentistry, emphasis is on upper airway patency (nasal + pharyngeal space). Airway-centric care aims to enlarge/maintain this space to support nasal breathing and reduce collapse risks during sleep.

The bony ridge in the jaws that contains tooth sockets (alveoli). It anchors teeth via the periodontal ligament. In airway views, adequate alveolar support relates to proper jaw development and tongue posture for maxillary expansion.

Jaw position with condyles in their most superior-anterior position in the glenoid fossae. Traditional dentistry emphasizes retruded CR; airway-centric views may favor positions that enhance pharyngeal airway without distalizing condyles.

A pocket of infection that can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a bad taste.

A silver-colored filling used to repair a cavity.

Medication used to numb an area so you don’t feel pain during treatment.

A tooth-colored material used to repair chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth.

A cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.

Hardened plaque that sticks to teeth and must be removed by a dental professional.