Airway Orthodontics in Richmond, TX

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics focuses on how the development of the jaws and dental arches affects breathing. When the upper jaw is too narrow or the lower jaw is underdeveloped, it can reduce airway space and restrict proper airflow.

This restriction may contribute to:

• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Restless or poor-quality sleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty focusing in children
• Crowded or misaligned teeth

Instead of treating teeth alone, airway orthodontics considers the relationship between jaw structure, facial growth, and long-term health.

At Gavri Orthodontics, we look at the whole patient — not just the smile.

Why Airway Health Matters

Proper nasal breathing supports:

• Deeper, more restorative sleep
• Improved oxygen flow
• Better concentration and school performance
• Enhanced athletic endurance
• Healthier facial growth and development
• Reduced strain on jaw joints

In growing children, early intervention can guide jaw development before growth plates close. In teens and adults, orthodontic treatment can help improve function while enhancing smile aesthetics.

Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation

Parents in Richmond and Fulshear often seek evaluation when they notice:

• Chronic mouth breathing
• Snoring or noisy breathing at night
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Teeth crowding at an early age
• Thumb sucking beyond toddler years
• Forward head posture
• Hyperactivity or difficulty concentrating

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a growth-focused orthodontic evaluation may be beneficial.

How Airway Orthodontic Treatment Works

1. Comprehensive Growth & Airway Evaluation

We assess jaw width, facial proportions, dental alignment, and airway indicators. Advanced diagnostics help us understand how structure impacts function.

Learn more about our commitment to modern care on our
Advanced Technology page

2. Growth-Guided Orthopedic Treatment

For children, this may include palatal expansion or orthopedic appliances designed to widen the upper jaw and create space for both teeth and proper airflow.

3. Comprehensive Orthodontic Alignment

After skeletal development is guided, treatment may continue with braces or aligners to optimize bite and stability.

Explore traditional options like
Braces in Richmond, TX
or
Invisalign in Richmond, TX

4. Long-Term Stability & Monitoring

We monitor growth patterns and airway function to ensure healthy development over time.

Timeline Expectations

Airway-focused orthodontic treatment varies by age:

• Early interceptive phase (ages 6–10): 6–12 months
• Growth modification phase: depends on developmental timing
• Comprehensive orthodontics: 12–24 months if needed

Early intervention often simplifies or shortens future orthodontic treatment.

How Much Does Airway Orthodontics Cost in Richmond, TX?

Costs depend on:

• Type of appliance used
• Treatment complexity
• Duration of care
• Whether comprehensive orthodontics is included

At Gavri Orthodontics, we accept Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, United Concordia, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Principal.

We also offer interest-free in-house financing to make treatment accessible for families.

A personalized consultation is the best way to determine exact costs.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Airway orthodontics may benefit:

• Children with narrow palates
• Kids who snore or mouth breathe
• Patients with early crowding
• Individuals with underdeveloped jaws
• Teens needing growth-guided treatment
• Adults with structural bite concerns

Families seeking proactive, health-centered orthodontic care in Richmond and Fulshear are excellent candidates.

Who May Not Be a Candidate?

Airway orthodontics may not be appropriate when:

• Jaw growth is fully complete and severe skeletal discrepancies require surgery
• Airway obstruction is primarily caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids (ENT referral may be recommended)
• The concern is strictly cosmetic alignment without functional issues

In these cases, traditional orthodontic treatment or collaborative care may be more appropriate.

Airway Orthodontics vs Traditional Braces

Traditional orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth and correcting bite alignment.

Airway orthodontics considers:

• Jaw width
• Facial growth
• Nasal breathing
• Long-term structural health

While both approaches improve smiles, airway-focused treatment prioritizes function and development in addition to aesthetics.

Alternatives to Airway Orthodontics

Depending on diagnosis, alternatives may include:

• Traditional braces alone
• Clear aligners
• ENT treatment for tonsils/adenoids
• Myofunctional therapy
• Sleep studies for suspected sleep apnea

Our doctors will provide honest, balanced recommendations tailored to your child’s needs.

Why Choose Gavri Orthodontics?

Dr. Aaron Gavri and Dr. Mary Kate Gavri are both board-certified orthodontists with advanced specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Dr. Aaron Gavri completed four years of dental school followed by three years of specialty orthodontic training. He is known for his attentive care and expertise in complex orthodontic cases.

Meet him here:
Dr. Aaron Gavri

Dr. Mary Kate Gavri is passionate about creating a warm, family-friendly orthodontic experience that feels like home.

Learn more about her here:
Dr. Mary Kate Gavri

As a family-owned practice, we are proud recipients of the 2025 Best of Katy: 1st Place Orthodontist award by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.

We Make Richmond, TX Smile.

Serving Richmond, Fulshear & Katy, TX

Our office is conveniently located at:

26440 FM 1093, #B100
Richmond, TX 77406

We proudly serve patients from:

• Richmond
• Fulshear
• Katy
• Surrounding Fort Bend County communities

English and Spanish spoken. Hablamos Español.

Office Hours:
Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Closed Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday