An orthodontist shifts his paradigm from being tooth-centered to airway-centered, reports Orthodontic Products.

The most commonly recommended therapies for sleep apnea are CPAP or an oral appliance (most of which position the mandible forward). Neither of these solves the underlying anatomical problem and both require long-term compliance for efficacy. Our task force found that properly planned orthodontic treatment alters the anatomy of the face and mouth in ways that can have a profound positive effect on the airway, and eliminate or reduce the severity of OSA. So, when I treatment plan, every decision is designed to be “Airway Friendly.”