Orthodontics has traditionally been viewed as a cosmetic discipline, focused primarily on straightening teeth and achieving an aesthetically pleasing smile. However, airway-centric orthodontics has revealed that the implications of orthodontic treatment extend far beyond looks. According to experts like Dr William Hang, airway health is intrinsically tied to orthodontics, and improper treatments can contribute to significant public health issues, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), cardiovascular disease, and reduced life expectancy.
Sleep apnoea, a condition where the airway collapses during sleep, affects millions of people worldwide. While factors like obesity and age are often associated with sleep apnoea, less attention has been given to the role of craniofacial structure in its development. Traditional orthodontic treatments, especially those involving the extraction of teeth and retraction of the dental arches, can reduce the size of the airway, increasing the risk of developing sleep apnoea.
Dr Hang argues that this is a preventable public health issue. “Airway-centric orthodontics focuses on ensuring the proper development of the jaws and airway from an early age,” he says. When orthodontic care promotes forward growth of the jaws, it not only improves facial aesthetics but also supports healthy breathing and reduces the risk of developing OSA and related conditions.
This focus on airway health is crucial for addressing what some consider a public health crisis. Untreated sleep apnoea is associated with a 20% reduction in life expectancy, and it has been linked to numerous chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and even mental health disorders. By adopting airway-centric orthodontics, we can take a preventative approach to health, addressing root causes rather than simply treating symptoms.
The challenge, however, lies in raising awareness about the importance of airway health in orthodontics. Many patients and even dental professionals are unaware of the long-term health implications of traditional orthodontic practices. As Dr Hang notes, “We need a public health response to ensure that airway health becomes a standard part of orthodontic care.”
The good news is that airway-centric orthodontics offers a solution. By emphasising early intervention and promoting the forward development of the jaws, this approach can prevent the need for more invasive treatments later in life, including surgeries and the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines for sleep apnoea.
To learn more about how airway-centric orthodontics can help address this public health issue, visit the Mewing YouTube channel for informative content. You can also access valuable resources by subscribing to the Mewing App by Mike Mew. Join the movement and be part of the solution to improving airway health worldwide.
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