Ogden Airway Orthodontist
If you’re searching for an airway orthodontist in Ogden, UT, you’re likely concerned about more than just crooked teeth—you’re looking for answers about breathing, sleep quality, and long-term health. At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to orthodontics that prioritizes both form and function. Dr. Fanelli specializes in airway orthodontics in Utah. His specialized airway-focused treatments are designed to help children and adults breathe better, sleep better, and live better—all while achieving beautiful smiles.
Whether it’s early intervention for your child or advanced expansion treatment for adults, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized branch of orthodontics that focuses on the relationship between jaw structure, dental alignment, and the airway. Rather than treating only the appearance of teeth, airway orthodontics aims to improve how a patient breathes—particularly during sleep.
Poor oral posture, narrow arches, or improper jaw development can restrict airflow and contribute to issues like mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue. Airway orthodontics identifies these patterns early and uses orthodontic tools and techniques to promote healthier breathing and jaw development.
How Does Airway Orthodontics Work?
Airway orthodontics works by gently guiding jaw and facial development to create more space in the oral and nasal passages. In children, this often involves early orthodontic appliances or expanders that promote proper jaw growth before puberty.
In adults, more advanced techniques like MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) or MARPE (Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) may be recommended to widen the upper jaw and improve nasal airflow—often helping patients with obstructive sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing.
Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
- Improved nasal breathing and reduced mouth breathing
- Better sleep quality and reduced snoring
- Fewer behavioral and attention issues in children
- Reduced risk of obstructive sleep apnea
- Healthier jaw and facial development
- Enhanced orthodontic outcomes
- Long-term improvements in overall health
Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation
Children with airway concerns may not always show obvious signs. That’s why early evaluation is key. Here are some common indicators that your child may benefit from airway-focused orthodontic care:
- Frequent snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Mouth breathing throughout the day or night
- Chronic allergies or nasal congestion
- Bedwetting past the typical age
- Daytime sleepiness or trouble focusing
- Crowded teeth or narrow arches
- Behavioral issues resembling ADHD
Adult Airway Orthodontics: MSE & MARPE
Adults suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, narrow palates, or poor nasal airflow now have effective treatment options with modern skeletal expansion techniques.
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) and MARPE (Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) are two innovative systems that widen the upper jaw using mini-implants for stable anchorage. These devices help increase nasal volume, improve breathing efficiency, and create space for proper tooth alignment—without the need for surgery in many cases.
For certain patients, we also offer MASPE (Mini-implant Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion), a gentler and more gradual approach that minimizes discomfort and the chance of developing large gaps between the teeth during expansion. These treatments can often be combined with clear aligners or braces for complete orthodontic care.
Why Choose Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics?
At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we don’t just straighten teeth—we improve lives through advanced, whole-health orthodontic care. Our team has advanced training in airway orthodontics and uses cutting-edge tools like CBCT scanning, digital treatment planning, and custom expansion devices to deliver precise, effective treatment.
We provide airway-focused orthodontics for both children and adults throughout the Ogden area and surrounding Utah communities, including:
Our personalized approach means we’ll listen to your concerns, evaluate the root causes behind symptoms, and create a treatment plan that supports long-term breathing, function, and smile aesthetics.
Ready to schedule an airway orthodontic consultation in Ogden?
Let’s find the solution that helps you or your child breathe easier, sleep better, and smile more confidently. Contact Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics today to get started.