Pediatric Airway Dentistry in Marietta, GA

Pediatric airway dentistry is a specialized approach that looks beyond teeth and gums to focus on your child’s breathing, sleep, and facial growth. By identifying airway restrictions early, we can address underlying issues that impact not only oral health but also overall development. At Chattahoochee Pediatric Smiles and Airway, this care aligns with our mission to support children’s growth while creating lifelong confidence.

While traditional dentistry emphasizes preventive care, cavities, and gum health, airway-focused dentistry adds another critical layer. We evaluate how a child breathes, how their jaws are developing, and whether sleep-disordered breathing may be affecting their health. This approach allows us to prevent problems before they interfere with growth, learning, or behavior.

Parents are often surprised to learn that dental visits can uncover sleep or breathing concerns. Common signs include:

• Snoring or noisy breathing at night
• Mouth breathing during the day or while sleeping
• Restless sleep or frequent waking
• Bedwetting beyond the typical age
• ADHD-like behaviors such as poor focus or hyperactivity

If your child shows any of these red flags, our team can help with early screening and treatment.

We recommend airway evaluations beginning as early as infancy and toddlerhood. Growth patterns and habits established in these early years can have a lasting impact on breathing and sleep. By starting early, we can guide jaw development, improve nasal breathing, and set the stage for lifelong health. Dr. Bradberry’s experience as both a father and pediatric dentist reinforces the importance of timely intervention.

Our airway dental care includes a wide range of solutions tailored to your child’s needs:

• Growth guidance and habit correction devices
• Myofunctional therapy to retrain oral muscles
• Collaboration with ENTs, sleep physicians, and orthodontists for comprehensive care

Each treatment plan is personalized and designed to be as conservative as possible, ensuring your child gets the right care at the right time.

Yes. Myofunctional therapy and tongue exercises play an important role in strengthening the muscles of the mouth and face. These exercises improve tongue posture, promote nasal breathing, and support healthy jaw development. When combined with growth guidance or appliances, they enhance long-term results.

Research shows that poor sleep caused by airway restrictions can affect focus, energy, and behavior. Children may display signs of ADHD, struggle in school, or continue to wet the bed at night. By treating sleep-disordered breathing, many families see improvements in their child’s daytime behavior, attention span, and emotional well-being.

Parents play a big role in helping children feel comfortable about dental care. Some helpful steps include:

• Speak positively about the visit and avoid words that cause fear
• Use simple, child-friendly explanations
• Reassure your child that our team specializes in making dental care gentle and safe
• Discuss available sedation options that can ease anxiety during treatment

We encourage parents to feel confident and informed. Helpful questions include:

• What signs should I continue to watch for at home?
• What treatment options are best for my child’s age?
• Will my child need referrals to other specialists?
• How might airway treatment affect future orthodontic needs?

Our team is committed to giving clear, reassuring answers during every visit.

Costs vary depending on the type of treatment, the appliances used, and the length of therapy. Insurance coverage may help offset some expenses, and our office provides guidance on benefits before treatment begins. We also offer flexible payment options to make care accessible for every family.

Families trust our practice for many reasons:

• Dr. Bradberry’s 30+ years of pediatric experience
• Board certification and leadership in the Georgia Dental Association
• Expertise in both dentistry and sedation safety
• A family-first approach that emphasizes conservative, thoughtful treatment
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique growth and needs
• Consistently warm reviews praising our friendly team and thorough explanations

We believe airway dentistry is not just about teeth, but about giving every child the chance to breathe, sleep, and thrive.