Airway Clear Aligners & Orthodontics
The mouth is the gateway to the body.
Most orthodontics focuses on straight teeth. We focus on the structures behind the teeth — the arches, the nasal floor, the airway, and the long-term health of the whole patient. When the arches are properly developed, the teeth align better and keep their position better, the airway opens including nasal breathing, and the face develops to its full potential.
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A trusted TMJ, Sleep & Airway Doc in Scottsdale, Arizona
Why arch development matters
Straight teeth in a narrow arch is not success.
Traditional orthodontics moves teeth to fit within the existing arch — but if that arch is too narrow, the result is straight teeth in a crowded, restricted space. The airway suffers. The face doesn’t develop properly. And in many cases, teeth are extracted to create space that should have been grown.
Arch-first orthodontics develops the bone itself — expanding the palate and jaw to create the space that the teeth, tongue, and airway all need. The results are more stable, more natural-looking, and far better for long-term health.
"We don't just move teeth. We develop the foundation they live in — and the airway that depends on it."
Narrow arch, crowded teeth, restricted airway
BEFORE
Wide arch, natural alignment, open airway
AFTER
The DOME Expander
Developing the arch. Opening the airway. At any age.
The DOME — Distraction Osteogenesis Mini Implant Assisted Expander — is a fixed oral appliance that uses mini implants placed in the palate to expand the upper arch. It is a groundbreaking and revolutionary technique that goes far beyond traditional orthodontic expansion.
After many years of study, Dr. Patrice has come to believe that one of the keys to proper airway, sleep, and breathing is a palate that is expanded to the fullest extent. The DOME makes that possible — developing the upper arch with a level of precision and completeness that no removable appliance can achieve. The results are stable, permanent, and life-changing for patients who have struggled with crowding, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, and TMJ pain.
DOME Benefits
- Fixed appliance — anchored with mini implants in the palate for max. expansion
- Groundbreaking technique — expands the palate to its fullest possible extent
- Opens the nasal airway and improves breathing
- Creates natural space — reducing need for extractions
- Addresses the root cause of crowding
- Virtually invisible — most people won't notice you're wearing them
- Removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning
- No brackets, no wires, no emergency appointments
- Used after arch development for stable, lasting results
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Straighter teeth.
Clearer path.
No metal.
Invisalign Clear Aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable. Used in combination with arch development, the DOME expander and clear aligners can move teeth into position as the arch is expanded — simultaneously developing the foundation and aligning the teeth. This is groundbreaking technology.
The result is not just straight teeth, but teeth that will stay straight because the underlying structure has been developed to fully support them — with an open airway, improved nasal breathing, and a naturally balanced face.
For young children
The Myobrace — also known as the Tooth Pillow.
We also offer the Myobrace system for young children who struggle with airway and breathing issues. Sometimes called the Tooth Pillow, it is a soft, comfortable appliance that children wear at night to help position the tongue properly — allowing the arches, the jaw, and the airway to grow and develop as nature intended.
When the tongue rests in the correct position against the palate during sleep, it acts as a natural expander — guiding proper craniofacial development from the inside out. The Myobrace supports this process gently and non-invasively, at an age when the results are most impactful.
We recommend the Myobrace when children show signs of
- Crowded teeth
- Poor sleep quality
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Mouth breathing
- Restlessness at night
- Bed wetting
Treatment for every age
The right treatment at the right time.
Arch development and airway treatment works at every age — but the approach changes depending on the stage of growth. Here is how we think about each phase.
Adults
Real results at any age.
Many adults have been told their upper arch cannot be expanded. The DOME changes that. We have seen it work in patients up to age 65 — it all depends on the palatal suture, which we evaluate with a CBCT scan.
DOME expansion combined with Invisalign Clear Aligners is our most common adult treatment — simultaneously expanding the arch and aligning the teeth. When necessary, we collaborate with ENT specialists and Oral Surgeons for surgical expansion.
Adolescents — The Ideal Window
A perfect time to develop the airway.
Adolescence is a perfect time to address the developing airway. The sutures are still responsive, expansion is faster and more complete than in adulthood, and the results last a lifetime.
Depending on the individual need, we treat adolescents with the DOME expander, traditional removable expanders, or conventional braces — always with the airway and long-term structure in mind, not just the alignment of teeth.
Treating the airway during adolescence can prevent TMJ dysfunction, sleep apnea, and orthodontic relapse in adulthood.
Children (Ages 4–10)
Early intervention. Lifelong results.
It is best to optimize nasal breathing and upper arch expansion as a child develops. We work with children to develop their arches as they grow — using the Myobrace (Tooth Pillow) for the youngest patients and removable expanders when appropriate.
Early intervention can prevent the need for extractions, braces, and jaw surgery later in life — and can dramatically improve a child’s sleep, focus, and quality of life.
Warning signs
Signs your child needs an airway evaluation.
Many of the signs that indicate airway and arch problems in children are overlooked or attributed to other causes. If your child shows any of these signs, an airway-focused evaluation is worth scheduling sooner rather than later.
Mouth breathing
Breathing through the mouth during the day or sleep indicates a restricted nasal airway.
Snoring or restless sleep
Children should not snore. Snoring signals an airway that is too narrow during sleep.
Crowded or crooked teeth
Crowding means the arch isn’t large enough. Expanding the arch creates natural space.
Attention & behavioral issues
ADHD-like symptoms can result from chronic sleep deprivation caused by airway restriction.
Dark circles under eyes
Chronic poor sleep quality shows up physically — often as persistent dark circles.
Bed wetting past age 5
Persistent bed wetting is linked to airway obstruction and disrupted sleep cycles.
Patient story
"Our son had crowded teeth, snored every night, and his teacher thought he had ADHD. After DOME treatment his teeth aligned, the snoring stopped, and his grades improved dramatically."
The Martinez Family
Airway Orthodontics · Scottsdale
Your airway has been waiting for this answer.
Better breathing. Straighter teeth. For life.
Consultations are always complimentary. Whether you are a concerned parent or an adult who has struggled with crowding and poor sleep — we have answers.
Scottsdale
13825 N Northsight Blvd, Suite 120
Mon–Thu 8–5 · Tue 7–5 · Fri 8–1
(480) 767-8400
Payson
315 E State Highway 260
Mon–Thu 8am – 5pm
(928) 474-2200
