These case studies show how structural orthodontic treatment affects breathing, growth, and long-term stability.
Each case includes the patient’s concern, the structural diagnosis, the treatment approach, and the measurable changes that followed. When available, we include airway metrics, nasal volume data, sleep study results, and clinical imaging.
Orthodontics is not just about straight teeth. It is about structure. When jaw width improves and breathing stabilizes, we often see changes that go beyond alignment.
We measure First.
Then we treat deliberately.
“If something works, it should show up in the data.”
—Dr. Bret Christensen
“If something works, it should show up in the data.”
—Dr. Bret Christensen
Chief Concern:
Night terrors, bedwetting, snoring, restless sleep.
Structural Diagnosis:
Narrow maxilla. Reduced nasal width. Tongue space deficiency.
Treatment:
Early skeletal expansion using pediatric appliance.
Chief Concern:
Early crowding and mouth breathing.
Structural Diagnosis:
Transverse maxillary deficiency.
Treatment:
8mm skeletal expansion during growth phase.
Chief Concern:
Severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 60).
Structural Diagnosis:
Narrow maxilla and restricted nasal airway.
Treatment:
MARPE/MAPDO skeletal expansion.
Chief Concern:
Chronic mouth breathing, fatigue.
Structural Diagnosis:
Transverse maxillary deficiency.
Treatment:
Custom MARPE/MAPDO expansion with bicortical mini-implant engagement.
Chief Concern:
Airway symptoms returned during growth.
Structural Diagnosis:
Continued skeletal development altered airway balance.
Treatment:
Second phase of growth guidance.
Chief Concern:
Restricted tongue mobility and airway compromise.
Airway treatment isn’t about guesswork.
At our Lewiston, Idaho practice, we measure jaw width, nasal space, and sleep patterns because if something changes, it should show up in the data.
If you are considering orthodontic care in North Central Idaho or are traveling from across the United States, Canada, or beyond, start with a Comprehensive Airway Evaluation.
Measure first. Then move forward.
