Expanding the Orthodontic Practice: Integrating Airway Treatments for Better Health

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, we discuss the growing role of airway-friendly orthodontics in treating upper airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing. Dr Robert "Tito" Norris, an orthodontist with a focus on airway management, explains how orthodontists can go beyond aesthetic treatment and have a significant impact on their patients' overall health and well-being.Norris shares insights into the clinical signs of airway issues, how to assess patients using tools like CBCT imaging and sleep questionnaires, and the benefits of collaborating with ENT and sleep specialists. He also discusses the treatment modalities available, including the role of MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and how orthodontists can successfully integrate these practices into their existing workflows.Key topics include:🔹 The importance of airway assessments in orthodontics🔹 Identifying signs of upper airway obstruction in adolescent and adult patients🔹 The role of CBCT and sleep questionnaires in diagnosing airway issues🔹 Treatment approaches for patients with sleep-disordered breathing🔹 The impact of early intervention on long-term health outcomesNorris also highlights valuable resources and training opportunities for orthodontists looking to expand their practice to include airway management as part of their treatment offerings.Listen to the full episode to learn how integrating airway treatments into your orthodontic practice can improve patient care and health outcomes.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:08 – Dr. Tito Norris’ journey into airway-friendly orthodontics03:06 – Key signs and symptoms to look for in patients06:37 – The role of sleep questionnaires in identifying airway issues08:04 – How CBCT imaging improves airway assessments10:03 – Identifying anatomical structures related to airway obstruction12:15 – Using home sleep studies in the diagnostic process14:02 – Treatment options for patients with sleep apnea17:17 – Advantages of early treatment in adolescents19:28 – The decision-making process for adult patients20:39 – Implementing airway treatment into practice management23:44 – Building relationships with ENTs and sleep specialists25:22 – Recommended resources and training for orthodontists27:17 – Final advice for orthodontists on integrating airway treatmentsRESOURCES: Dr Norris’ three-part article series in Orthodontic Products:✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 1: Diagnosis✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 2: Transverse Treatment✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 3: Anterior-Posterior SolutionsRecommended Airway Management Courses: 🔹 Dr Ilya Lipkin Course🔹 Dr Marianna Evans Course🔹 Dr Jeff Rouse Course🔹 Dr Rebecca Bockow🔹 Dr Tito Norris Course-----------------------------------------📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!-----------------------------------------VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubformINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/