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When most people think of orthodontics, they think about braces and straight teeth. At Holt Orthodontics, we know that a healthy smile is about much more than appearance—it’s about how the teeth, jaws, and airway work together. Proper breathing, especially through the nose, plays a critical role in your child’s development, sleep quality, and long-term oral health.

An airway orthodontic evaluation looks beyond alignment to assess breathing patterns, jaw growth, and facial structure. By identifying potential concerns early, we can provide treatment that supports both healthy airway function and a confident smile.

What Is an Airway Orthodontic Evaluation?

An airway evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that focuses on how well your child breathes and how that impacts dental and facial development. Unlike a traditional exam, which primarily addresses visible crowding or misalignment, this evaluation looks for the underlying causes of orthodontic and health concerns.

During the evaluation, our team will examine jaw size and positioning, tongue posture, oral habits, and facial growth patterns. We may also use imaging to better understand the airway space. This approach helps detect issues before they become more complex, allowing for early intervention that can guide proper growth.

Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation

Airway-related concerns often show up in subtle ways. Your child may breathe through the mouth, snore, have restless sleep, or show dark circles under the eyes. Crowded teeth or a narrow palate, difficulty focusing, daytime fatigue, and prolonged thumb-sucking or other oral habits can also indicate that the airway is not functioning optimally.

Even if your child’s teeth look straight, these signs can signal that breathing and jaw development are being affected, which may influence facial growth and overall health.

Why Airway Health Matters

Proper nasal breathing supports healthy oxygen intake, restful sleep, and balanced facial development. Chronic mouth breathing, on the other hand, can affect jaw growth, cause misaligned teeth, narrow dental arches, and even lead to sleep-disordered breathing or snoring. Over time, it may also influence posture, behavior, and school performance.

By addressing airway concerns early, orthodontic treatment can guide jaw growth, improve tongue posture, and reduce the need for more complex treatment later. This is why at Holt Orthodontics, we evaluate the whole system—not just the teeth—when planning treatment.

What to Expect During an Evaluation

During an airway evaluation at Holt Orthodontics, we perform a thorough, step-by-step assessment to get a complete picture of your child’s airway and jaw development:

1. Medical and Sleep History Review – We begin by discussing your child’s breathing patterns, sleep quality, and any relevant medical history.
2. Physical Examination – We examine the teeth, jaws, tongue posture, and oral habits to identify potential airway issues.
3. Facial Growth Assessment – We review facial structure and growth patterns that may affect breathing and jaw alignment.
4. Imaging – Digital X-rays or 3D imaging may be taken to evaluate airway space, jaw positioning, and dental alignment.
5. Personalized Treatment Plan – Based on the evaluation, we recommend next steps, which could include monitoring growth or early interventions such as maxillary expansion to improve airway function and support proper development.

This structured approach ensures that every aspect of the dental and airway system is considered for long-term health and alignment.

When Should Your Child Be Evaluated?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. This is the optimal time to identify airway and developmental concerns while the jaw is still growing. Early detection allows for less invasive and more effective treatment that can support better sleep, breathing, and overall development.

Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing and a Healthy Smile

If your child shows signs of mouth breathing, snoring, crowding, or restless sleep, an airway orthodontic evaluation can provide crucial insight.

At Holt Orthodontics, we specialize in assessing the entire dental and facial system, including the airway. Our goal is to help your child breathe better, sleep better, and grow into a healthy, confident smile.

Schedule a consultation today and discover how an airway-focused approach can make a lasting difference.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I had straightened my teeth when I was younger,” you’re not alone. Many adults assume orthodontic treatment has an age limit—but the truth is, it’s never too late to invest in your smile.

At Holt Orthodontics, we proudly treat adults of all ages, and adult orthodontics is more popular than ever.

Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment

Adults pursue orthodontic care for many reasons:

• Crowding or shifting teeth over time
• Bite issues causing jaw discomfort or wear
• Difficulty cleaning misaligned teeth
• Boosting confidence in professional and social settings

Today’s treatment options make orthodontics more discreet, comfortable, and flexible than ever before.

Treatment Options Designed for Adult Lifestyles

Modern orthodontics fits seamlessly into busy schedules.

Popular options include:

• Clear aligners like Invisalign®
• Ceramic braces that blend with natural teeth
• Shorter treatment timelines in many cases

You can straighten your teeth without putting life on hold.

Oral Health Benefits Beyond Appearance

Straight teeth aren’t just about looks.

Orthodontic treatment can:

• Improve bite function
• Reduce uneven wear on teeth
• Lower risk of gum disease
• Make brushing and flossing easier
• Support long-term dental health

It’s an investment in both confidence and wellness.

What to Expect as an Adult Patient

Adult treatment is customized and respectful of your goals.
We focus on:

• Clear communication
• Flexible scheduling
• Efficient, comfortable care
• Results that last

You’re never “behind”—you’re right on time.

Start Your Smile Journey Today

If you’ve been thinking about orthodontic treatment, there’s no better time to explore your options. A consultation at Holt Orthodontics can help you understand what’s possible and what treatment might look like for you.

Your smile has many years ahead of it. Let’s make sure you love it.

You’ve finished orthodontic treatment. Your braces are off or your last aligner is done—and your smile looks incredible. It’s tempting to think the hard part is over.

But there’s one final, crucial step that protects all the work you’ve done: wearing your retainer.

At Holt Orthodontics, we can’t stress this enough—retainers are not optional. Here’s why they matter and what can happen if they’re ignored.

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Why Teeth Want to Shift Back

Your teeth are held in place by ligaments and bone that need time to stabilize. After orthodontic treatment, those tissues naturally try to pull teeth back toward their original positions.

This process is called relapse, and it can happen surprisingly fast—sometimes in just weeks.

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What Retainers Do

Retainers:

• Hold teeth in their new positions
• Allow bone and tissue to stabilize
• Protect your investment in orthodontic care
• Keep your smile straight for the long term

Think of your retainer as insurance for your smile.

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What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?

Skipping retainer wear can lead to:

• Teeth shifting or crowding
• Bite changes
• Needing retreatment in the future
• Retainers no longer fitting

Unfortunately, even small changes can undo months—or years—of progress.

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Types of Retainers

Your orthodontist may recommend:

• Clear removable retainers (similar to aligners)
• Hawley retainers with wire and acrylic
• Fixed retainers bonded behind the teeth

Each option has benefits, and we’ll guide you toward what’s best for your smile.

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Retainer Tips for Success

• Wear it exactly as prescribed
• Store it in its case when not in use
• Keep it away from pets (they love retainers!)
• Clean it daily
• Call us immediately if it’s lost or damaged

The sooner a retainer issue is addressed, the better.

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A Lifetime Smile Starts Now

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when braces come off—it evolves into maintenance. Wearing your retainer is the simplest way to ensure your smile stays straight, healthy, and confident for years to come.

If you ever have questions about your retainer, the team at Holt Orthodontics is always here to help.

Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting—but it’s also totally normal to feel a little unsure about what those first days with braces will be like. Whether you’re a teen getting braces for the first time or a parent helping your child through the adjustment, knowing what to expect can make the transition smoother and far less stressful.

At Holt Orthodontics, we believe confident patients have the best experiences. Here’s a realistic look at life with braces during the first week—and what comes after.

The First 24–72 Hours: The Adjustment Phase

When braces are first placed, your teeth and mouth begin adapting to gentle pressure.

What’s normal:

• Soreness or tenderness in the teeth
• A tight feeling when biting down
• Mild irritation on the cheeks or lips

Helpful tips:

• Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups
• Use orthodontic wax on any brackets that feel irritating
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe your mouth

This initial discomfort usually peaks in the first few days and fades quickly.

Eating With Braces: What Changes?

Food choices matter more with braces, especially early on.

Foods to enjoy:

• Scrambled eggs
• Pasta
• Soft fruits
• Oatmeal
• Steamed vegetables

Foods to avoid:

• Sticky candy
• Popcorn
• Hard chips
• Nuts
• Chewy bread or bagels

Avoiding these helps prevent broken brackets and unexpected repairs.

Oral Hygiene Matters More Than Ever

Braces create extra places for food and plaque to hide, so daily cleaning is essential.

Best habits to build:

• Brush after every meal
• Use floss threaders or a water flosser
• Rinse with fluoride mouthwash
• Keep up with regular dental cleanings

Good hygiene keeps your teeth healthy and your treatment on track.

Life After Week One

Once the initial adjustment passes, most patients forget they’re even wearing braces. You’ll get used to eating, speaking, and smiling—and soon, appointments and adjustments become part of the routine.

Every adjustment means progress, and every month brings you closer to your new smile.

We’re Here Every Step of the Way

If something doesn’t feel right—or you simply have questions—our team is always happy to help. At Holt Orthodontics, your comfort and confidence matter just as much as your results.

Braces are a journey, and we’re honored to take it with you.