Transforming Lives Through Advanced Airway-Centric Dentistry

At Dentistry with a Touch of Art, we've reimagined what dental care is. We believe that exceptional dentistry goes beyond treating teeth; it's about understanding how your oral structures affect your overall wellbeing, particularly your ability to breathe and sleep properly.

Our focus on airway-centric dentistry means we're addressing the root causes of many health issues, not just the symptoms. By examining the relationship between your dental structures and breathing passages, we can identify and treat conditions that might be affecting your quality of life in ways you hadn't even considered. Dr. Rawa is passionate about creating personalized care that respects your unique needs, while delivering solutions that make a genuine difference in how you feel every day.

Our approach to dentistry is fundamentally different because we understand that airway health impacts your entire body. Many patients come to us after years of struggling with sleep issues, chronic fatigue, or unexplained health problems, only to discover that the solution lies in addressing airway issues.

Using advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatment methods, we're able to offer solutions that traditional dentistry often overlooks. Whether you're seeking help for sleep-related breathing disorders, snoring relief, airway expansion, or oral restrictions, our comprehensive approach ensures that you'll receive care that addresses all of your airway needs.

Recognizing the Need for Airway-Centric Dental Care

As a Diplomate for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Board of Directors for the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, and a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, Dr. Rawa stays at the forefront of airway-centric dental care. At Dentistry with a Touch of Art, we help patients identify signs that may indicate a need for our exceptional care. Common indicators include:

• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Unrefreshed/ restless sleep
• Daytime fatigue or concentration issues
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Frequent mouth breathing
• Mood disorders
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Recurrent headaches or neck pain
• Speech difficulties
• Feeding issues
• Frequent cavities
• Swollen or enlarged tonsils/ adenoids
• Chronic ear infections or allergies
• Digestive issues

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Rawa is ready to provide a comprehensive evaluation to help alleviate your issues. Get in touch with Dentistry with a Touch of Art to explore how our airway-centric approach can enhance your oral function, breathing, and overall health.

Transform Your Health with Airway-Centric Dentistry

Embark on a journey to better health and well-being with Dentistry with a Touch of Art. Our airway-centric approach goes beyond traditional dentistry, addressing the root causes of many health issues. We are currently accepting new pediatric and adult airway patients. We are ready to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Don't let airway issues compromise your quality of life any longer. Contact Dentistry with a Touch of Art today and take the first steps towards a better airway.

A Note From Our Dentist

As an airway and sleep-centric dentist, I begin by evaluating the Oral Rest Position (ORP) of my patients. The ORP is:



1. Lips gently together
2. Teeth slightly apart
3. Entire tongue to the roof of our mouth

The proper ORP allows for nasal breathing which is the correct way to breathe. Mouth breathing, which is bad, occurs when we are compensating for something. Most of the time that something is an oral restriction, also known as a tethered oral tissue. The tongue rests on the roof of the mouth waiting for a swallow. When one swallows, the tongue flattens out against the upper jaw (maxilla) and helps to widen it. This increases the size of the nasal cavity since the maxilla is the floor of the nose. If a child has an oral tie, the tongue is tied to the floor of the mouth and cannot help to grow the upper jaw. This underdeveloped jaw will encourage mouth breathing and the child tends to make a habit of it. Mouth breathers tend to grow longer and more narrow faces. To release an oral restriction, we use the Solea CO2 laser. This procedure, called a frenectomy, is very quick, virtually painless with minimal to no bleeding. Most of the time, it is performed with just some topical numbing jelly. Many symptoms are resolved immediately. No sedation is needed to perform the oral restriction release procedure.

To encourage proper growth and development of the child’s jaws, we use The Healthy Start program. These oral appliances are a form of myofunctional therapy and are worn passively while the child sleeps, and/or actively during the day. The HS habit corrector is for evening wear and helps to correct noxious habits such as thumb or finger sucking. This habit corrector also encourages nasal breathing which allows for more oxygen into the body while the child sleeps. The guiding HS appliances are worn during the day and are used with active exercises. These appliances guide the teeth into proper position as the jaws grow.

Finally, to make the most out of our nasal breathing, I educate my patients on nasal cleaning. This should be added to our evening ADLs and uses an all natural xylitol nasal spray called Xlear.

Sincerely,

John Rawa, DMD, FAGD, DABDSM

President of Dentistry with a Touch of Art

Dental Director of Rawa Dental Sleep Medicine

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