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Answering your frequently asked questions!

What is Breathe for Foundational Development?

At Breathe for Foundational Development, we focus on the growth and development of the craniofacial respiratory system (airway) and the role of underdeveloped jaws. Most of the growth in this system occurs during the first 18 months of life. In fact, 60% of a child’s facial development is completed by age 6, with 90% completed by age 12. Breathing, sleeping, nursing/eating, and speaking can all be negatively affected by the underdevelopment of the jaws and dysfunction of the soft tissues (tongue, cheeks, lips, etc.).
Prevention and early intervention are key! The earlier the problem is identified, the earlier a plan can be formulated to treat. This ensures that issues can be solved earlier without waiting for more complicated issues to arise. Most of the time starting early means a less invasive plan because we are intervening at a time when the bones and tissues are still growing and developing.

What is Airway Dentistry or an Airway Centric Practice?
“Healthier lives through better breathing”. Dr. Michael Gelb, the author of “Gasp”, defines an Airway Centric practice as one that focuses on the health benefits of breathing well, especially during sleep, with a focus on stopping the epidemic of chronic disease. This approach emphasizes prevention and treatment when symptoms arise, starting with parents observing the sleep habits of their children as early as birth. He calls for a team approach, with the dentist playing a pivotal role of being able to help “connect the dots” and drive the need for collaborative care among many different specialties.
What does an airway dentist evaluate?
An airway dentist focuses on the growth and development of the craniofacial respiratory complex. They look at more than just teeth! They evaluate oral structure and function (arch development, dentition, and soft tissue) and their relationship to breathing, sleeping, and overall health.
What happens at an airway consult?
The airway consult is all about data gathering and education. We take photos, measurements, digital impressions (scans), and useful x-rays like a CBCT. We spend most of the time going over a patient’s health history and reviewing signs and symptoms. We use educational videos and models to show patients what we can do to help them breathe and sleep better. The goal of the consult is to evaluate so that we can formulate a treatment plan. Listening to patients’ concerns and helping to navigate the next steps in care is our goal.
What techniques do we use to help grow underdeveloped jaws?
Each treatment is tailored to the patient and their specific needs. We offer several options for pediatric expansion (developing the jaws) including Myobrace, Healthy Start, Invisalign, Airway Aligners, and traditional fixed and removable orthodontic appliances.
What is myofunctional orthodontics?
Myofunctional orthodontics involves orthodontic treatment with a focus on identifying the root cause of the malocclusion. The focus is not simply aligning crooked teeth, but instead on arch development, restrictive tethered oral tissues (RTOTs), and myofunctional habits that cause dysfunction and disharmony.
What is a tongue-tie and how do I know if my child has one?
A tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. Simply looking under the tongue and seeing a string of tissue (frenum) is not enough to diagnose a tie. A thorough clinical review of signs and symptoms by a specially trained provider is the best way to determine if you or your child has a tie that is restricting proper function.
What is a lip-tie?
A lip-tie is defined as the failure of the upper lip to flange outward and upward normally. A thorough clinical review of signs and symptoms by a specially trained provider is the best way to determine if you or your child has a tie that is restricting proper function.
What instrument does Dr. Buehler use to release a tongue- or lip-tie?
Dr. Buehler uses state-of-the-art technology that is the gold standard when it comes to releasing ties. She uses the LightScalpel Surgical CO2 Dental Laser.
Why is the function of the tongue so important?
The tongue is a very powerful muscle that plays a critical role in feeding, speech, breathing, posture, sleep, and orofacial development. In tongues that have restrictive ties we see poor tongue posture which can lead to mouth breathing, poor growth and development of the jaws, and even enlarged adenoids and tonsils.
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