With her specialized training, Courtney is dedicated to helping our patients understand and overcome orofacial myofunctional dysfunction (OMD).
Courtney’s goal is to help patients discover the root causes of their dysfunction. By focusing on personalized therapy, she aims to address individual needs, which can lead to appropriate facial development in children and improved airway health in adults. Through her compassionate approach and expert guidance, Courtney is committed to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community.
As parents, we often focus on our children’s physical health, nutrition, and education, but one crucial aspect that can greatly influence their overall well-being is oral health, particularly airway dentistry. With increasing awareness of its benefits, seeing a dentist trained in this specialized area is becoming essential for ensuring not only optimal dental health but also proper facial development in children.
OMD refers to a disruption in the normal function of the facial muscles and oral cavity, which can impact speech, swallowing, and overall oral health. Common symptoms include mouth breathing, difficulty chewing, misaligned teeth, and speech issues. Various factors contribute to OMD, including thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, upper airway obstruction, tongue ties, and allergies that lead to mouth breathing.
Airway dentistry is a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of the airway in relation to dental and overall health. Dentists trained in this field understand how the structure of the mouth and jaw can impact breathing patterns, sleep quality, and facial development. They focus on identifying and addressing issues such as mouth breathing, misaligned jaws, and other airway-related concerns that can arise in children.
One of the primary focuses of airway dentistry is to ensure that children breathe properly, ideally through their noses rather than their mouths. Proper nasal breathing not only filters and humidifies the air but also helps in the development of the facial structure. A dentist trained in airway dentistry can identify signs of airway obstruction and provide appropriate interventions.
Children with airway issues often experience disrupted sleep due to conditions like sleep apnea. This can lead to daytime fatigue, behavioral problems, and difficulty concentrating in school. An airway-focused dentist can assess a child's sleep patterns and recommend treatments that improve both breathing and sleep quality, which are vital for healthy development.
The alignment of the teeth and the structure of the jaw play a significant role in a child’s facial development. A dentist trained in airway dentistry can guide proper growth by addressing issues like narrow dental arches or misalignment early on. This proactive approach can lead to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial structure as the child matures.
By prioritizing airway health, dentists can provide early intervention strategies that prevent more serious dental issues later on. This includes teaching children about proper oral habits and the importance of maintaining an open airway, which can minimize the risk of orthodontic problems and other complications.
Airway dentistry doesn’t just focus on teeth; it looks at the entire health of the child. By considering the relationships between oral health, airway function, and overall well-being, these dentists offer a comprehensive treatment plan that supports both physical and emotional health.
Investing in airway dentistry for your children can lead to significant long-term benefits. By ensuring their airways are healthy, you are supporting their overall health, enhancing their facial development, and setting the stage for a lifetime of good dental habits. As parents, we must prioritize not just the appearance of our children’s smiles but also the foundational health that supports them. A trained airway dentist can be a vital partner in this journey toward optimal health and well-being for your growing children
We are thrilled to share that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) now recognizes airway health as an essential part of oral health! For too long, the focus has been primarily on cavities and straight teeth, often waiting until baby teeth fall out to address crowding with braces or extraction.
Now, the AAPD is advocating for airway screenings as early as ages 3-6. This proactive approach allows for early growth correction, which can help prevent long-term issues down the line.
This isn't just new science; it’s a philosophy we've embraced at Siegert Dental. Dr. Jake has been sharing the insightful book “Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic” with many of our patients to explain our treatment philosophies. Additionally, our our Registered Dental Hygenist Courtney is an AOMT certified Myofunctional Therapist!!! Our dedicated team is trained in this comprehensive approach, and we invite you to allow us to be part of your family’s journey toward ensuring healthy airways!
Let’s prioritize airway health together!
Request an appointment here: https://siegertdental.com or call Siegert Dental at (608) 394-3943 for an appointment in our Onalaska office.