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Let's Talk About Airway and Breathing

Breathe Well. Sleep Well. Smile with Confidence.

At Tingey Orthodontics, we know your family’s health and well-being start with something most of us take for granted—breathing. Over the past decade, airway health has become a major topic in orthodontics, with growing awareness of how jaw and dental development can affect breathing, sleep, and even behavior in children.

Dr. MacKay Tingey has spent more than 25 years treating patients of all ages and studying the connection between orthodontics and airway function. His training at the prestigious Baylor College of Dentistry included advanced work in smile mechanics, functional occlusion, and early intervention. His Master’s thesis specifically explored airway and posture, giving him a strong foundation in both the science and practical considerations of airway-focused orthodontics.

What Does the Research Show?

Peer-reviewed studies suggest that some orthodontic treatments—especially when started early—can help improve airway size and breathing patterns. For example, widening a narrow upper jaw (maxillary expansion) has been shown to:

Reduce nasal resistance and improve airflow
Support proper tongue posture and function
Sometimes reduce symptoms of mild sleep-disordered breathing

However, it’s important to understand that orthodontics is not a cure-all for every airway concern. Some claims you might see online—like guaranteed resolution of sleep apnea or the idea that the lower jaw bone should be expanded—are not supported by credible evidence.

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Dr. Tingey’s Perspective: Evidence-Based, Balanced, and Individualized

Dr. Tingey believes in being clear and honest about what orthodontics can (and cannot) achieve for airway health:

When a child’s upper jaw is too narrow or the dental arches are crowded, carefully planned expansion can be corrective and beneficial.
In adults, certain orthodontic approaches can help improve airway space, though results are more limited than in growing children.
He does not believe in expanding the lower jaw bone itself, as this is not backed by research. Instead, he focuses on aligning the lower dental arch if it is collapsed or if the teeth are tilted inward.
Every treatment plan is individualized. If airway concerns are significant, Dr. Tingey may coordinate care with sleep physicians, ENT specialists, or myofunctional therapists to create a comprehensive approach.