At Simple Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic treatment should do more than straighten teeth — it should support the way you breathe, sleep, and grow. As a leading airway orthodontist in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Sean Carlson takes a whole-health approach to orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults.
By identifying and addressing airway-related issues early, we help our patients achieve more than a beautiful smile. We support proper jaw development, healthy breathing, and overall wellness — for life.
San Francisco Airway Orthodontist
Dr. Carlson is an internationally recognized orthodontist, educator, and airway-focused specialist who brings decades of experience to every treatment plan. Known throughout the orthodontic community for his research in facial growth and development, Dr. Carlson uses advanced imaging and technology to detect and treat airway problems that may go unnoticed in traditional orthodontic care.
If you’re searching for the best airway orthodontist in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ll find world-class care right here in Larkspur.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized approach that looks beyond just teeth alignment. It focuses on how the development of the jaws, tongue posture, and facial structures affect breathing and airflow — especially during sleep.
When the airway is narrow, underdeveloped, or blocked, it can contribute to a wide range of issues, from snoring and mouth breathing to behavioral challenges and sleep-disordered breathing. Airway orthodontics addresses these concerns through early intervention, jaw expansion, habit correction, and personalized growth guidance.
How Does Airway Orthodontics Work?
At Simple Orthodontics, we use a combination of digital imaging, 3D scans, and clinical evaluation to assess how your child’s airway is developing. We look at the position of the jaws, the tongue, and the nasal passages — and how they all influence breathing.
Treatment may include:
- Interceptive orthodontics to guide jaw growth
- Palatal expanders to widen the airway
- Braces or aligners to align the bite and create space
- Habit correction for mouth breathing or tongue thrusting
Because airway health is closely tied to growth and development, starting early often leads to better outcomes. However, airway orthodontics isn’t just for kids — adults can benefit too.
Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
Airway-focused orthodontics can offer life-changing benefits for both children and adults. For kids, it supports better sleep, improved behavior, clearer speech, and healthier facial growth. For adults, it can alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, snoring, fatigue, and jaw pain.
By focusing on the root cause of breathing-related issues, airway orthodontics helps prevent chronic health conditions and improves quality of life — not just smiles.
Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation
Many airway issues go unnoticed until they begin to affect sleep, behavior, or overall development. Common signs your child may benefit from an airway evaluation include:
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Daytime fatigue or hyperactivity
- Difficulty concentrating at school
- Crowded teeth or narrow arches
- Thumb-sucking or low tongue posture
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Carlson — the best airway orthodontist in the San Francisco Bay Area — to assess your child’s airway health and development.
Airway Orthodontics for Adults
Airway issues don’t disappear with age. In fact, many adults suffer from undiagnosed sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ disorders, or facial underdevelopment that began in childhood. If you struggle with snoring, daytime fatigue, or sleep apnea, airway orthodontics could be a key part of your solution.
Dr. Carlson uses advanced imaging to evaluate the airway and identify whether orthodontic treatment — such as expansion, jaw repositioning, or custom aligners — could improve airflow and reduce symptoms. You’ll receive a personalized, health-focused plan that supports better breathing and lasting comfort.
Why Choose Simple Orthodontics?
At Simple Orthodontics, we don’t just align teeth — we transform health. Families across Marin County and beyond choose us as the best airway orthodontist in the San Francisco Bay Area because we offer:
- Board-certified expertise from a globally recognized airway orthodontist
- Comprehensive evaluations that consider jaw growth, breathing, and facial development
- Advanced technology, including 3D imaging and custom treatment plans
- A whole-health approach that prioritizes breathing, sleep, and function
- Family-friendly care with a supportive, transparent environment
When it comes to your child’s health — or your own — don’t settle for cosmetic care. Choose airway-first orthodontics with Simple Orthodontics. Schedule a consultation and give your child — or yourself — the gift of better breathing, better sleep, and a healthier smile.
Airway Orthodontics FAQs for Bay Area Residents
What’s the difference between airway orthodontics and regular orthodontics?
Traditional orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth. Airway orthodontics takes a deeper look at how the jaw, airway, and facial structures impact breathing and long-term health.
Is airway orthodontics only for kids?
No — adults can also benefit from airway treatment, especially if they have sleep apnea, snoring, or TMJ-related discomfort.
Will insurance cover airway orthodontics?
Some parts of treatment may be covered under dental or medical insurance. Our team can help verify benefits and provide flexible payment plans.
How do I know if my child has an airway issue?
Signs like mouth breathing, restless sleep, fatigue, or crowded teeth may indicate a problem. We offer detailed evaluations to uncover root causes.
Does treatment hurt?
Airway orthodontics uses gentle, growth-guided techniques. Most children and adults find treatment comfortable and easy to adjust to.
