If you are preparing for your first orthodontic visit in Lewiston, Moscow, Grangeville, or anywhere in North Central Idaho, this page will help you understand what to expect.
An airway orthodontic appointment is designed to bring clarity before treatment begins.
Timeline of Your First Visit
Every patient is different, but most first visits include:
Conversation and History
We begin by listening. We review sleep quality, breathing patterns, medical history, growth concerns, and symptoms that may not yet have clear explanations.
Clinical Examination
We evaluate jaw development, dental structure, tongue posture, nasal breathing, and functional habits. In children, we assess how facial growth is unfolding and whether there is adequate space in the oral cavity to support healthy nasal breathing and all of the permanent teeth.
Discussion and Questions
We explain what we see and how it may relate to breathing, sleep, and alignment. You will have time to ask questions and understand your options.
Airway-Focused Diagnostics
Unlike a traditional orthodontic exam, an airway orthodontic visit evaluates more than crooked and crowded teeth.
We look at how airway structure, jaw development, and facial growth interact. We may recommend additional diagnostics to better understand airway size, nasal space, and functional patterns.
These evaluations help us move from assumption to measurement.
Digital Imaging & Evaluation
We use imaging such as CBCT on every patient to establish a baseline of airway structure and jaw relationships. We will explain what the imaging shows and how the findings guide your treatment planning.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Treatment planning is built around function to support optimal wellness and aesthetics.
Our goal is to help our patients improve nasal breathing, support healthy jaw development, and create space for long-term stability and beautiful smiles.
Some patients may move forward with:
- A Comprehensive Airway Evaluation
- Palatal Expansion for Children
- MARPE/MAPDO for Adults
- Tongue-Tie Release
- Sleep Apnea Solutions
Others may simply require monitoring and follow-up.
We Want You to Feel Ready Before You Even Walk In
Next Steps
After your visit, you will leave with:
- A clear and understandable explanation of our findings
- Recommended next steps
- An understanding of timing and sequencing
Not every airway evaluation leads to immediate treatment.
Our goal is to provide clear information so you can make thoughtful decisions.
Our practice serves patients throughout the Lewiston and Moscow, Idaho area, and regularly welcomes those traveling from across the United States and Canada for airway-focused orthodontic care.