The way you breathe is
as important as smiling.

You already know breathing is important, but it’s also extremely important to breathe the right way. What many people don’t recognize, however, is the wide spectrum between the states of “breathing” and “not breathing.” It is possible to breathe in a way that optimally benefits your overall health. On the other hand, it’s also possible to breathe in a way that forces your body to compensate for limited oxygen levels.

If your body regularly struggles to maintain proper oxygen levels, numerous long-lasting health problems could result, including raising your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. In younger children, chronic mouth breathing has even been definitively shown to change the shape of a child’s developing face. With airway orthodontics, Dr. Rubensteen can help children in the Miami Beach, Miami Shores, North Beach, and South Beach areas breathe easier.

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics seeks to address the underlying cause of obstructed breathing, so your child can enjoy a lifetime of optimal breathing and improved overall health. During your child’s initial exam and diagnosis with Dr. Rubensteen, he will seek to answer the following questions:

• Has the improper formation of the maxilla, mandible, or other components of the jaw and airway resulted in limited airflow during breathing?
• Are there other reasons for restricted airflow that are better addressed by another medical specialist?
• Has the patient had to compensate for limited airflow while breathing? Has this resulted in improper habits, such as accelerated breathing, tongue placement, or body posture?
• Have these compensations and/or genetic factors influenced the shape, size, or position of the jaw and face?

If Dr. Rubensteen identifies any issues that could be helped with orthodontic treatment, he’ll discuss his recommendations with you during your child’s initial consultation.

When should your child be
evaluated for airway orthodontics?

Below is a list of symptoms that may indicate if your child may benefit from airway orthodontics.

Hyperactivity
ADHD
Chronic lethargy
Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose
Rapid shallow breathing
Bedwetting
Chronic nighttime restlessness, waking, or nightmares
Periods of no breathing or breath-holding while asleep