Sleep Disordered Breathing & Airway Development
Sleep disordered breathing refers to irregular breathing patterns that occur during sleep — from mouth breathing and snoring to pauses in breathing and shallow breaths. These patterns can affect airway development, facial growth, and overall health in both children and adults.
Who This Can Affect
Sleep disordered breathing and airway dysfunction can be present in children, teens, and adults — particularly during critical growth periods (such as childhood and adolescence) or alongside orthodontic and airway concerns.
What Sleep Disordered Breathing Is
Common Sleep Breathing Patterns
Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose
Snoring: Noisy breathing caused by airway vibration
Interrupted breathing: Pauses or shallow breathing during sleep
Restless sleep: Frequent awakenings or disrupted cycles
Why Airway Development Matters
Healthy airway development supports:
Proper facial and jaw growth
Optimal nasal breathing
Balanced oral muscle function
Better sleep quality
Reduced risk of orthodontic relapse
When airway support is compromised, breathing patterns adapt — often leading to mouth breathing and sleep-related symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For
Signs of Sleep Disordered Breathing
✔ Snoring
✔ Mouth breathing
✔ Restless sleep
✔ Daytime fatigue or irritability
✔ Behavioral or focus concerns
✔ Headaches or jaw tension
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps
Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on:
Improving oral muscle strength and coordination
Encouraging nasal breathing patterns
Supporting proper tongue posture
Helping airway-supporting muscle patterns improve
Reinforcing healthy breathing through guided retraining
For children, therapy can support airway development during key growth stages. For adults, it helps correct long-standing muscle patterns that impact sleep quality and airway function.
Ready to Learn More or Get Support?
If you’re concerned about sleep disordered breathing or airway issues, we recommend a discovery call to discuss your goals and determine whether myofunctional therapy is right for you or your child.