What is a pediatric airway dentist?

A pediatric airway dentist specializes in identifying and treating children’s breathing and sleep-related issues, often linked to the development of their jaws, airway, and oral habits.

What should I expect at my child's first visit?

Expect a detailed medical and sleep history, evaluation of your child's facial development, airway size, tongue posture, and habits like mouth breathing or tongue thrusting. A treatment plan may be recommended.

What conditions can a pediatric airway dentist help with?

Conditions such as snoring, sleep apnea, mouth breathing, narrow palate, tongue tie, and speech or feeding issues can be assessed and managed.

Is treatment painful or invasive?

Treatments are typically gentle and non-invasive, such as myofunctional therapy, oral appliances, or referrals to ENT or orthodontists when needed.

How early can my child be seen?

Children as young as 2–3 years old can benefit from an airway evaluation if symptoms are present. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

What to Expect from a Pediatric Airway Dentist Visit

Pediatric airway dentistry is a specialized approach to children’s oral health that focuses not just on teeth, but on how the entire mouth, jaw, and airway work together to support healthy breathing, sleeping, and development. If your child has been referred to an airway dentist—or if you’re researching options for symptoms like mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep—knowing what to expect from the first visit can help ease anxiety and empower you to make informed decisions. At Dental Sleep Experts of CT, we specialize in pediatric airway evaluations that go beyond routine dental checkups. Here’s what your family can expect when visiting our Wolcott, CT office.

7/31/20252 min read

1. A Warm, Child-Centered Welcome

From the moment your child walks through the door, our goal is to make them feel safe and at ease. Pediatric airway concerns can be confusing and overwhelming, so we take time to explain everything in kid-friendly terms while also addressing any questions you may have as a parent.

2. A Comprehensive Airway Evaluation

Unlike traditional dental visits focused primarily on cavities and cleanings, an airway evaluation involves a much broader look at your child’s facial structure, breathing patterns, sleep habits, and growth development.

Key components may include:

Review of medical history: including any history of allergies, frequent colds, ear infections, or sleep issues
Functional exam: assessing how the tongue, lips, and jaw work together during breathing, swallowing, and speech
3D imaging and scans: to examine airway size and obstructions (if needed)
Sleep screening tools: for signs of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing
Myofunctional assessment: to evaluate oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue tie, or mouth breathing

These exams are non-invasive, and we always take the child’s comfort into account every step of the way.

3. Collaborative Diagnosis and Education

After the evaluation, Dr. Skye Zeller will walk you through the findings in clear, easy-to-understand language. We believe in partnership with parents, so you’ll be empowered with knowledge about what’s happening, why it matters, and what steps can support your child’s health and development.

You’ll learn about:

The link between oral structure and sleep quality
How mouth breathing impacts facial growth
Whether your child may benefit from myofunctional therapy, oral appliance therapy, or further sleep testing

4. A Customized Care Plan

Every child is unique, and so is their treatment plan. We may recommend:

Myofunctional therapy to retrain muscles involved in breathing and swallowing
Growth-guided appliance therapy (like expanders or airway-friendly orthodontics)
Referral for sleep study or ENT consult, if deeper evaluation is warranted
Monitoring only, for kids showing early signs of airway compromise

Our care plans are gentle, developmentally appropriate, and focused on long-term wellness, not just quick fixes.

5. Ongoing Support and Follow-Up

Airway development doesn’t happen overnight. We work closely with families over time to track progress and make adjustments as needed. Follow-up visits are focused, friendly, and designed to make your child feel like an active participant in their own care.

Why Choose Dental Sleep Experts of CT?

We’re not just dental professionals—we’re dedicated airway advocates. Under the leadership of Dr. Skye Zeller, our practice brings together advanced training in airway-focused dentistry, a passion for child wellness, and a holistic, whole-body approach to care.

We proudly serve families across Wolcott, Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, and the greater central Connecticut region. Whether your child is struggling with mouth breathing, snoring, tongue tie, or orthodontic concerns, we’re here to help uncover the root cause and guide you forward.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you're concerned about your child's breathing, sleep, or oral development, don’t wait. Early intervention can make a profound difference in long-term health and confidence.

📍 Dental Sleep Experts of CT
📞 Call: (203) 879-9372
🌐 Visit: www.dentalsleepct.com
📍 311 Woodtick Rd, Wolcott, CT 06716

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How is an airway dentist different from a regular pediatric dentist?
A: Airway dentists focus on how the mouth and jaw influence breathing, sleep, and development—not just cavities and cleanings.

Q: What are signs my child should see an airway dentist?
A: Mouth breathing, snoring, bedwetting, speech issues, ADHD-like behavior, tongue tie, and crowded teeth can all be indicators.

Q: Will my child need braces?
A: Not always. Early airway interventions may prevent the need for traditional orthodontics or reduce their complexity later.