Pediatric Airway Dentistry in Round Rock, TX

The first visit is designed to be thorough, calm, and easy to follow. We start with a conversation about what you have been seeing at home, especially during sleep and first thing in the morning.

We may ask questions like:

• Does your child snore often or only once in a while?
• Do they usually sleep with their mouth open?
• Do they seem rested when they wake up?
• Have you noticed restless sleep, grinding, or frequent movement at night?
• Do they frequently wet the bed still?
  

From there, we assess tongue range of motion and function. We asses for all oral restrictions and also look at tonsilar tissue. With our CBCT we can see things like the maxillary sinuses, nasal turbinates, adenoids, tonsils, and the oropharyngeal space, as well as tooth position and measurement of jaw size. We can take measurements clinically and on the CBCT image  to see if we anticipate crowding with the developing permanent teeth in relation to the jaw size of your child.

These visits include time for questions, careful observation, and a slower pace when needed, especially for younger children, to thoroughly answer and address all questions you may have. Getting clear guidance and direction on next actionable steps we can take for your family/child to start improving airway and whole body health.

Things families often appreciate:

• Extra time set aside for a more detailed evaluation
• A pace that feels manageable for kids
• Straightforward check-in and a calm visit flow
• Parking close to the entrance

Snoring and mouth breathing are easy to brush off, especially in young children. Sometimes those patterns improve with time. Sometimes they do not.

We often see children who seem mostly fine on the surface. Maybe they are a little restless at night. Maybe mornings are harder than expected. Nothing dramatic, but enough for a parent to pause and ask a question.

That is often how airway concerns come up. Not through one major symptom, but through a collection of small patterns that start to add up.

When breathing concerns are addressed appropriately, sleep may improve as well. That change can affect how a child feels day to day, both at home and at school.

In many cases, the biggest value is noticing these patterns early and keeping an eye on how your child is growing.

That may include:

• Comparing current findings with future visits
• Watching whether the jaw is widening as expected
• Noting whether habits are improving on their own
• Deciding whether support is needed now, later, or not at all
  

When treatment does make sense, it is usually gradual and based on your child’s stage of development.

This may include:

• Palatal expansion to create more room in the upper jaw
• Support for healthier nasal breathing patterns
• Coordination with an ENT when concerns extend beyond the mouth
  

We explain what we are seeing, why it matters, and what options make sense at that point. In some cases, the best next step is simply to continue watching growth and check again later.We do not begin with the assumption that treatment is necessary.

Most airway visits are centered on evaluation, observation, and comparison over time. We look at what we see today, how growth is progressing, and whether anything appears to be changing naturally.

Sleep and Breathing Screening

We ask about snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, and the patterns you have been noticing at home.

Growth and Development Monitoring

We look at how your child’s jaws and facial structure are developing over time and whether there is enough room for healthy function as they grow.

Palatal Expansion, When Appropriate

In some cases, palatal expansion may be recommended to widen the upper jaw and create more room in a growing mouth. That can be one part of a broader airway-focused treatment plan.

If your child snores, sleeps with their mouth open, or often seems tired in the morning, call us to talk through what you’ve been noticing.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out. We can listen, ask a few questions, and help you decide whether an airway visit makes sense.

At Shine Pediatric Dental Co., familiarity helps. When children recognize the people caring for them, visits often feel easier, steadier, and less intimidating over time.

Dr. Sarah Severson, DDS

Dr. Sarah pays close attention to the details that can be easy to miss during a routine visit, including the way a child breathes at rest, how the lips come together naturally, and how the mouth develops over time.

Her approach to airway evaluations is careful and measured. She takes time to observe before drawing conclusions, and she helps parents understand what she is seeing without making the visit feel overwhelming.

Outside the office, she enjoys time with her family and life here in the Round Rock community, which often makes conversations with parents feel natural and easy.

Dr. Lexi Severson, DMD

Dr. Lexi is known for explaining things in a way that feels clear and manageable. If airway development becomes part of the conversation, she walks families through it step by step and makes room for questions along the way.

She is also especially thoughtful with children who need more time to settle in. That patience can make a real difference during visits that involve observation, conversation, and follow-up planning.

Outside the office, she enjoys being part of the local community and brings that same steady presence into her work with families.

We accept most PPO dental plans and review coverage before treatment begins so families have a clearer idea of what to expect.

If your plan is out of network, our team can still help by filing claims and walking you through how benefits may apply. For families without insurance, we are happy to go over straightforward payment options before moving forward, so there are no surprises halfway through the process.

How do I know if my child may have an airway concern?

Common signs include snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, and waking up tired. Even mild symptoms can be worth discussing if they happen regularly.

When should a child see an airway-focused dentist?

We often begin evaluating children as early as ages 3 to 6 when symptoms are present. Early evaluation gives us more flexibility to monitor growth and step in at the right time if needed.

Can children outgrow airway-related issues?

Some children improve as they grow, but others do not. Growth can either create more space or make existing limitations more noticeable over time.

Is airway treatment the same as braces?

No. Airway treatment focuses on breathing, jaw development, and function. Braces are mainly used to align teeth. In some cases, the two overlap, but they are not the same thing.

What happens if airway issues are left unaddressed?

When breathing and jaw development are not working well together, sleep may remain disrupted and space in the mouth may become more limited. Over time, that can contribute to crowding and other developmental concerns.