Airway-Focused Orthodontics for Lifelong Health
Orthodontic problems do not exist in isolation. When misalignment of the teeth and jaws is left untreated, it often worsens over time—affecting not only oral health, but breathing, sleep quality, posture, and overall wellbeing.
Malocclusion is not merely cosmetic. It contributes to gum disease, abnormal tooth wear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, headaches, neck and back pain, poor posture, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep. In many patients—especially children—these symptoms are rooted in craniofacial growth patterns and airway development.
Proper alignment and function create stability. When the teeth, jaws, airway, and jaw joints are in harmony, the result is a healthier smile, improved comfort, better sleep, and long-term confidence.
A Functional, Airway-Centered Approach
We take a comprehensive, individualized approach to orthodontic care that prioritizes both aesthetics and biology. Form and function are inseparable—and lasting results require both.
Our philosophy is grounded in bioesthetic orthodontics, integrating facial balance, functional occlusion, and long-term stability. Every treatment plan is designed to:
Support proper jaw function
Optimize airway space and breathing
Create stable, biologically sound results
Airway health and breathing function are central to our planning. Craniofacial development, jaw growth, and airway volume are closely connected—particularly during childhood and adolescence. When these systems do not develop optimally, the risk of sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea increases.
Early Treatment, Growth Guidance, and MARPE
Timing matters. Growth provides a critical opportunity to guide development rather than compensate for deficiencies later.
We evaluate jaw width, facial structure, tongue space, and airway anatomy early. When appropriate, we use orthopedic and expansion-based approaches—including MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)—to address maxillary constriction and support airway development in adolescents and adults.
MARPE allows for skeletal expansion of the upper jaw, helping to:
Increase nasal airway volume
Improve breathing efficiency
Create space for proper tooth alignment
Support more stable orthodontic outcomes
Early and properly timed intervention can reduce the need for more invasive treatments later and support healthier breathing for life.
TMJ-Aware Orthodontic Planning
The temporomandibular joints play a critical role in bite stability and long-term comfort. Ignoring joint position often leads to instability, relapse, or chronic symptoms.
We carefully evaluate TMJ function and jaw position when planning treatment. By aligning the teeth in harmony with the jaw joints, we aim to:
Reduce joint strain
Improve bite stability
Minimize relapse
Support long-term comfort and function
This joint-aware approach allows us to deliver results that are both attractive and durable.
Advanced Technology, Precision Care
Our practice uses advanced, low-radiation digital imaging to evaluate airway space, jaw relationships, and occlusion with precision. Treatment options include:
Self-ligating metal and clear braces
Lingual orthodontics (braces placed behind the teeth)
Custom digital treatment planning and wire systems
Jaw simulators (articulators) to analyze bite and function
For complex cases, we collaborate closely with trusted specialists, including periodontists, oral surgeons, ENT physicians, sleep medicine doctors, and restorative dentists, to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
A Boutique Practice, Personally Led
We are a boutique orthodontic practice. All treatment is personally planned and overseen by Dr. Karpov, with the support of a highly trained clinical team.
By limiting volume and prioritizing education, precision, and continuity of care, we stay at the forefront of airway-focused orthodontics, early intervention, TMJ-aware treatment, and long-term stability.
Our goal is simple:
to improve how you breathe, sleep, function, and feel—today and for years to come.