Why Early Orthodontics and Tongue Posture Matter More Than Ever

One of the most common questions I hear from adults is, “Could this have been prevented?” In many cases, the answer is yes.

Today, an overwhelming majority of adults, I estimate close to 90%, show some degree of jaw underdevelopment, airway restriction, or both. This didn’t happen overnight. It began in childhood, during the years when the face, jaws, and airway were still growing.

Growth Determines the Airway

A child’s jaws don’t just determine how their smile looks, they determine how their airway develops for life. If growth is restricted early on, the airway often remains narrow, making individuals more vulnerable to:

• Mouth breathing

• Sleep-disordered breathing

• Crowding and malocclusion

• Jaw pain, headaches, and fatigue later in life

Proper orthodontic guidance during growth can help support natural jaw development rather than restrict it.

Tongue Posture: A Silent Architect

The tongue is one of the most powerful growth-guiding forces in the body. When the tongue rests correctly against the palate, it helps shape the upper jaw and supports healthy facial development.

When tongue posture is low or forward, often due to habits like mouth breathing or untreated airway issues, the jaws may fail to widen and grow properly. Over time, this can contribute to a smaller airway and underdeveloped facial structure.

Prevention Is the Goal

Modern orthodontics, when airway-focused, isn’t just about straight teeth. It’s about:

• Encouraging proper jaw growth

• Supporting nasal breathing

• Creating space for the tongue

• Reducing the likelihood of future airway compromise

When we intervene early, we’re not just improving alignment—we’re helping prevent the need for more complex treatments later in life.

A Shift Toward Proactive Care

The high rate of jaw and airway issues we see in adults today should serve as a wake-up call. We have the tools, knowledge, and technology to do better for the next generation.

By prioritizing proper orthodontic care and healthy oral posture early in life, we can help children grow into adults who breathe better, sleep better, and function better, without needing to undo years of structural compensation.

- Dr. David Alfi