Early Answers for Healthier Smiles at SC Orthodontics in Valencia
How a child breathes has a direct impact on how their face and jaw develop. SC Orthodontics in Valencia, CA, offers Airway & Growth Assessments to identify breathing and developmental concerns early, giving children the best possible foundation for long-term oral and overall health. If you have noticed your child snoring, breathing through their mouth, or struggling with sleep, this assessment is a valuable first step.
What Is an Airway & Growth Assessment in Valencia?
An Airway & Growth Assessment is a specialized evaluation that examines how a child’s airway, jaw, and facial structures are developing. The assessment looks at whether the airway is clear and properly sized, whether the jaws are growing in proportion, and whether any habits or structural issues are affecting normal development.
During the assessment, Dr. Haykani reviews the position and growth of the upper and lower jaws, the width of the dental arches, the position of the tongue at rest, and any signs of restricted airflow. Imaging may be used to get a clearer picture of the airway and surrounding structures. The goal is to catch problems while the bones are still growing and more responsive to treatment.
This is not a standard orthodontic check-up. It is a focused evaluation designed to identify issues that, if left unaddressed, can affect breathing, sleep, facial development, and even behavior and concentration in children.
Why Your Child Might Need an Airway & Growth Assessment in Valencia
Not every child will show obvious signs of an airway or growth problem. Many of the signs are easy to overlook or attribute to other causes. Here are the most common reasons parents in Valencia seek this assessment.
Mouth Breathing
Children who regularly breathe through their mouths instead of their noses may have a restricted nasal airway. Over time, mouth breathing can alter the shape of the face, narrow the dental arches, and lead to crowded teeth. It can also affect sleep quality and energy levels during the day.
Snoring or Disrupted Sleep
Snoring, restless sleep, or waking frequently during the night can be signs that a child is not getting enough airflow while sleeping. Poor sleep affects concentration, mood, and development. An airway assessment can help identify whether a structural issue is contributing to these symptoms.
Crowded or Narrow Dental Arches
When the upper jaw is too narrow, the tongue does not have enough room to rest in the correct position. This can affect airway space and contribute to breathing difficulties. Crowded teeth are often a visible sign that the arches are not developing as they should.
Tongue Tie or Restricted Tongue Movement
A tongue tie limits how freely the tongue can move and rest. When the tongue cannot sit comfortably on the roof of the mouth, it may fall back toward the throat during sleep, reducing airway space. This can affect feeding in infants and speech and breathing in older children.
Delayed or Uneven Facial Growth
If one side of the face appears to be developing differently from the other, or if the jaw seems to be growing too far forward or backward, an assessment can help determine whether intervention is needed and at what stage.
What Happens If an Airway & Growth Assessment Is Delayed or Avoided?
Delaying an assessment when signs are present can allow problems to become more complex over time. The bones of the face and jaw are most responsive to treatment during childhood and early adolescence. Waiting until growth is complete often means that the same issues require more invasive solutions, such as surgery, that could have been avoided with earlier intervention.
Untreated airway problems can affect sleep quality for years, which in turn affects a child’s concentration, behavior, and academic performance. Structural issues that are not addressed during growth can also result in more severe crowding, bite problems, and jaw pain in adulthood.
Airway & Growth Assessment at SC Orthodontics in Valencia, CA
Dr. Haykani takes a thorough, patient-centered approach to every assessment. Parents are fully involved throughout the process, and all findings are explained in clear, straightforward language.
Your Child’s Airway & Growth Assessment Consultation
At the first visit, Dr. Haykani will take a detailed history, including questions about your child’s sleep habits, breathing patterns, and any concerns you have noticed at home. A clinical examination of the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues will follow. We will also discuss whether any imaging is needed to complete the picture.
The Airway & Growth Assessment Treatment Process
The assessment itself is non-invasive and comfortable for children. Dr. Haykani will examine the dental arches, jaw alignment, tongue posture, and airway space. If imaging is taken, it provides a detailed view of the structures that cannot be seen during a standard visual exam. After reviewing all findings, Dr. Haykani will present her conclusions and highlight any areas that need attention.
Airway & Growth Assessment Aftercare and Recovery
There is no recovery period following an assessment. Should treatment be needed, Dr. Haykani will walk you through the available options and the right time to act. For some children, early intervention with a palate expander or myofunctional therapy may be appropriate. For others, monitoring growth over time is the right approach. Every plan is tailored to the individual child.
Why Choose SC Orthodontics for Airway & Growth Assessment in Valencia, CA
Families in Valencia trust SC Orthodontics for this specialized care because of Dr. Haykani’s training, her thorough approach, and the practice’s commitment to treating the whole child, not just the teeth.
Specialized Training in Growth and Development
Dr. Haykani earned her DDS at UCLA and completed her orthodontic residency at New York University. Her training covers facial growth and development in depth, giving her the knowledge to identify and address airway and structural concerns that go beyond standard orthodontic care.
A Whole-Child Approach to Oral Health
SC Orthodontics looks beyond teeth and bite alignment. We consider how breathing, posture, tongue function, and jaw development all interact. This broader perspective allows us to identify issues that might otherwise be missed and to recommend care that supports healthy development across multiple areas.
Early Intervention When It Matters Most
The earlier a growth or airway issue is identified, the more options are available for treatment. Early intervention can reduce the need for more complex procedures later and can have a meaningful positive impact on a child’s quality of life, sleep, and development.
Clear Communication with Parents
We know that parents want to understand what is happening with their child’s health. Dr. Haykani takes the time to explain every finding in plain language, answer your questions thoroughly, and make sure you feel confident in any decisions made about your child’s care.
Book Your Child’s Airway & Growth Assessment Consultation in Valencia, CA
If you have concerns about your child’s breathing, sleep, or facial development, an Airway & Growth Assessment at SC Orthodontics in Valencia, CA, is the right place to get answers. Call our office today to book a consultation with Dr. Haykani and get clear answers about your child’s airway and development.
