Airway-Focused Orthodontics in Lake Forest, Chicago & North Shore | Dr. Stosich
Orthodontics is traditionally associated with straighter teeth, but that isn’t all Dr. Michael Stosich focuses on. True orthodontic excellence understands that, in addition to beautiful smiles, it must also ensure a structural foundation to support optimal health and lifelong wellness. And that includes improving upon the body’s most vital function – breathing.
The Gold Standard
Dr. Stosich’s clinical approach to airway-focused orthodontics is fully aligned with the American Association of Orthodontics recommendations on the role of orthodontics in managing issues such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Key highlights of the AAO-aligned protocol include:
- Screening and identification by using comprehensive screening tools to identify patients at risk for sleep-disordered breathing.
- Early intervention to recognize the window of opportunity on growing children to modify their jaw structure and improve their airway dimensions.
- Evidence-based treatment that utilizes specialized appliances and orthopedic expansion only when indicated by skeletal data, rather than trends.
- Collaborative management by working with a larger team to improve a patient’s respiratory health.
What is Airway-Focused Orthodontics?
Airway-focused orthodontics is a specialized approach that considers the relationship between the mouth, jaws, and respiratory system. It examines the facial skeleton to ensure the jaws are properly aligned and positioned to create a robust airway.
How we breathe dictates how we live. Proper breathing is essential because:
- Improving the airway improves sleep, allowing for more restorative rest and reducing or eliminating the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring.
- Improved sleep and improved breathing are essential for focus, mood regulation, and growth in children. In children, an open airway is crucial for proper cognitive development.
- Proper breathing lowers the risk of health issues, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular strain, and chronic fatigue.
Dr. Stosich’s Philosophy Focuses on the Whole Patient
While airway care has become a buzzword in the orthodontic world recently, Dr. Stosich has an approach that goes beyond the trendy buzzwords and focuses instead on the true needs of each patient. He focuses on:
- Facial balance by ensuring the skeletal structures can work in harmony
- Ensuring the teeth and jaws work and fit together perfectly
A Leader in His Field
Expertise matters when it comes to orthodontic treatment, and especially so when seeking out airway-focused orthodontic treatment. Dr. Stosich is a leader in his field and a recognized leader in the intersection of dentistry and medicine.
- He is the only provider in the state who provides airway-focused, interventional treatment for infants, using unique appliances in concert with his specialized team.
- In addition to his practice, he is the Director of Orthodontics at the University of Chicago, where he leads the craniofacial, sleep apnea, and cleft palate team, allowing him to stay at the forefront of sleep medicine and craniofacial research.
- He takes a multi-disciplinary approach and uses scientifically-backed methods utilizing unique appliances, providing solutions that cannot be found elsewhere. Dr. Stosich works with pediatric and adult ENT specialists and others to ensure patients receive seamless, integrated medical and dental solutions
Comprehensive Care for All Ages
Infants and early childhood
Dr. Stosich is the only provider in the state offering interventional orthopedics for infants. This allows for structural breathing issues to be addressed at the earliest possible stage. Early intervention has a proven positive effect on a child’s development.
Adolescents and teens
During the peak growing years, Dr. Stosich can focus on guiding the growth of the jaw to ensure ample space for the tongue, thereby ensuring the airway can remain wide and unobstructed as the adolescent grows.
Adult orthodontics
Airway-focused orthodontics can be life-changing for adults. By looking at how the jaw alignment affects the throat and tongue space, Dr. Stosich can provide relief from sleep issues and jaw tension, while also providing the patient with a beautiful smile.
Dr. Stosich successfully treats patients of all ages. When needed, this can also include extractions for some orthodontic cases. Numerous studies have shown that when planned properly, extractions cause no damage to the airway.
Airway-Focused Orthodontics is more than a buzzword
True airway-focused orthodontic treatment is more than a marketing tactic; it’s a science. While this may seem like a trendy new buzzword, being capitalized upon by those with a financial interest in teaching “weekend courses” for providers, it’s important to remember that not all providers are created equal.
Specialty training in craniofacial orthodontics is required to manage complex cases safely and effectively. True airway-friendly orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and can’t be taught in a weekend seminar. It requires a deep understanding of long-term skeletal growth, respiratory physiology, and bone biology. And that is gained from years of study and experience from experts like Dr. Stosich.
Schedule your appointment today
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment can be life-changing. Dr. Stosich has the experience and skills to help you breathe better and get the smile you deserve. Call our office today, and you can be on the path to a healthier you in no time.