At ABM Orthodontics, we provide more than straight teeth. We take a comprehensive approach to oral health that considers airway function, breathing, and sleep quality. For patients who need it, orthodontic treatment can be one important part of addressing these concerns and supporting overall health at every age in Clearwater.
Orthodontists can play an important role in the early detection and management of sleep-disordered breathing in children. During your consultation, we screen for airway and growth issues that may affect breathing and sleep quality. When we identify these concerns, we work collaboratively with sleep physicians, ENTs, pediatricians, and myofunctional therapists to provide comprehensive care. In some cases, palatal expansion in children and adults may improve airway symptoms and support healthy craniofacial development. However, for serious conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, diagnosis and treatment planning require a multidisciplinary approach. Our role is to identify warning signs, provide education about the connection between oral development and airway health, and ensure patients receive coordinated care from the right specialists.
We use advanced 3D imaging and digital diagnostic tools to evaluate your airway anatomy alongside your orthodontic needs. Our new patient exam goes beyond traditional bite analysis. We screen for airway restrictions, TMJ function, and other factors that affect breathing and sleep quality. This holistic assessment allows us to design treatment plans that address both aesthetic and functional concerns, giving you results that improve your daily life.
Airway orthodontics may involve clear aligners, braces, or specialized appliances depending on your unique situation. For growing children, early intervention can guide jaw development and prevent airway issues from worsening. Adults benefit from treatment that opens the airway while improving bite alignment. We explain every option clearly so you can make confident decisions about your care. Our goal is to create lasting results that support healthy breathing for years to come.
Early evaluation allows orthodontists to screen for potential concerns during the critical growth years. In some cases, guiding jaw development during childhood may help create proper space for teeth and support healthier breathing patterns. At ABM Orthodontics, we recommend evaluation by age 5 or 6, since approximately 80% of facial growth is complete by age 6.
Signs your child may benefit from an airway evaluation include chronic mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, or difficulty concentrating. Addressing these issues now can improve their quality of life immediately and set them up for better long-term health.
Orthodontics is a part of a comprehensive approach to managing airway issues – We will use the help of ENTs, Myofunctional therapists, speech and language pathologists, Allergists, Pediatricians, other professionals as needed.
Many adults assume orthodontic treatment is only for children, but airway concerns can affect health at any age. If you snore, wake up tired despite adequate sleep, or have been diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing including sleep apnea, a comprehensive evaluation is important. We work with a team of sleep medicine doctors, ENTs, and oral surgeons to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. In some cases, the issue may be structural—such as a narrow palate or jaw position—where expansion or jaw advancement could help. In other cases, the problem may be related to airway muscle function or other factors that require different treatment approaches. Our role is to help identify what’s contributing to your symptoms and connect you with the right specialists to address your specific needs.
At ABM Orthodontics, we don’t just look at where your teeth are. We evaluate how your jaw articulates, how you breathe, and how these factors impact your overall health. Our comprehensive new patient exam includes airway screening and functional analysis because we believe every patient deserves treatment that addresses the whole picture, not just the cosmetic result.
This modern, evidence-based approach sets us apart from traditional orthodontic practices. We’re committed to staying current with the latest research and technology so you receive care that truly improves your life.
ABM Orthodontics is a family-owned practice where personalized care takes priority over quotas and corporate mandates. We combine advanced 3D imaging technology with a comprehensive approach addressing not just alignment but also airway health and long-term function. Our Clearwater location offers flexible scheduling including select Saturdays, virtual consultation options, and Spanish-speaking services to accommodate our diverse community.
We use the latest equipment and digital tools to ensure precise diagnosis and gentle, efficient treatment.
Our skilled professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your needs.
From the moment you walk in, your comfort, time, and trust are our top priorities.
Schedule your appointment today and experience personalized dental care that puts your comfort first. Healthy teeth. Confident you.
If you or your child experiences snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, frequent headaches, or has been diagnosed with a narrow airway or sleep apnea, you may benefit from airway orthodontics. Other signs include daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or waking up with a dry mouth. Schedule a consultation so we can perform a comprehensive evaluation including airway screening and discuss your specific concerns.
Many orthodontic insurance plans cover treatment that addresses functional issues like bite problems, jaw misalignment, and malocclusion. We accept most major insurance carriers including Cigna, Humana, MetLife, Guardian, and Florida Blue. Our team will verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage before treatment begins. We also offer flexible financing options to make care accessible.
Treatment time varies based on the severity of alignment issues, your age, and whether you’re addressing multiple concerns. Most patients see noticeable improvements in breathing within the first few months, with complete treatment typically taking 12 to 24 months. Children undergoing early intervention may need shorter initial treatment followed by monitoring. We’ll provide a detailed timeline and expected milestones during your consultation.
Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on straightening teeth and correcting bite alignment for aesthetic and functional purposes. Airway orthodontics takes a broader approach by also evaluating and treating how your jaw position and tooth alignment affect breathing, sleep quality, and overall airway health. This comprehensive method addresses the root causes of breathing issues while still achieving excellent aesthetic results. Our exams include airway screening, TMJ evaluation, and functional analysis beyond standard orthodontic assessments.
Our convenient Clearwater location at 1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd makes quality orthodontic care accessible to families throughout Pinellas County. We’re proud to serve patients from Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Seminole and the surrounding communities. Our modern office features the latest orthodontic technology in a welcoming, comfortable environment designed with your family in mind. Whether you’re coming from nearby or across the bay, you’ll find ample parking and easy access to our practice. We offer flexible appointment times, including select Saturdays, to fit your busy schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover the ABM Orthodontics difference.
Text or Call
727-605-2266
info@abmortho.com
Mon – Fri
Select Sat
8am – 6pm
8am – 2pm
