1135 Broad Street, Suite 207
Clifton, NJ 07013
At Dentistry for Children + Orthodontics, we go beyond healthy teeth. We look at the bigger picture — how your child breathes, how their jaw is developing, and whether their oral habits are setting them up for long-term health. Our Airway and Functional Dentistry program is designed to identify and address issues early, when intervention is most effective.
Airway-focused dentistry looks at how a child’s mouth, jaw, tongue, and airway all work together. When any part of this system is out of balance — whether from mouth breathing, tongue ties, poor tongue posture, or a narrow jaw — it can quietly affect a child’s growth, sleep, behavior, and development.
We partner with families to identify these patterns early and guide children toward healthier development through simple, effective tools and therapies.
During an airway evaluation, we take a comprehensive look at:
Based on each child’s unique needs, we may recommend one or more of the following:
The Myo Munchee is a soft, chewable appliance used for a few minutes each day to strengthen the muscles of the lips, cheeks, and tongue. It encourages proper tongue posture, promotes nasal breathing, and supports healthy jaw development — all through a simple daily routine kids can do at home.
For children with narrow arches or restricted jaw development, a custom expander appliance can gently guide the jaw to grow wider, creating more space for teeth, the tongue, and the airway. Early expansion can reduce the need for more complex treatment later.
A tongue tie occurs when the tissue beneath the tongue is too tight, restricting movement. This can impact breathing, feeding, speech, and oral development. When indicated, we perform a gentle laser frenectomy to release the restriction and restore proper function.
We collaborate with licensed myofunctional therapists to address the underlying muscle habits that contribute to airway issues. This therapy retrains the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to function properly — and is often the key to lasting results.
Children’s jaws and airways are actively developing throughout childhood. The earlier we identify and address airway concerns, the more we can work with the body’s natural growth — rather than trying to correct problems after the fact. Many of the orthodontic, sleep, and behavioral challenges we see in older children and adults have roots in early airway development.
Our goal is not just straight teeth — it’s a child who breathes well, sleeps well, and grows to their full potential.
Airway health is rarely a one-specialty issue. That’s why we actively coordinate with:
We communicate directly with your child’s other providers to ensure care is aligned and comprehensive.
We offer a complimentary initial airway evaluation for new patients. This is a no-pressure opportunity for us to assess your child, answer your questions, and help you understand whether airway care is right for your family.
Call us at (973) 338-1383 or request an appointment online to schedule your child’s evaluation.
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