The Center for Airway and Facial Development

The Center for Airway and facial development, located at 620 Churchmans Rd Ste 201, Newark, DE 19702, is a dedicated clinic focusing on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to airway, breathing, and facial development. The clinic emphasizes a holistic approach, working to uncover the root causes of issues rather than just addressing symptoms. They cater to a wide range of patients, from infants and children to adolescents and adults, recognizing that early intervention can significantly impact long-term health outcomes. The team at The Center for Airway and Facial Development, which includes specialists like Dr. Ryan P. Robinson (Chief Clinical Director) and Dr. Joanna Green (Pediatric Clinical Director), as well as a Director of Osteopathic Medicine, collaborates across various disciplines to provide integrated care. Their services are designed to improve breathing, sleep, and overall well-being by optimizing the development and function of the oral cavity and craniofacial structures. Key services and conditions addressed include: Orthodontics, Growth & Development: This involves using specialized appliances and techniques, often starting from a young age (as early as 1.5 to 3 years old), to guide the proper growth of the jaws and face. This can include palatal expanders and functional trainers like Myobrace and HealthyStart, aiming to create balanced facial profiles and healthy airways. tongue tie Release (Frenectomies): Addressing tethered oral tissues (lip and tongue ties) that can restrict movement, impact feeding in infants, affect speech, contribute to mouth breathing, and disrupt sleep. They often utilize laser procedures for these releases. myofunctional therapy: This involves a series of exercises to train the muscles of the face and mouth, promoting proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, chewing, and swallowing. It's often used in conjunction with other treatments to support long-term success. sleep-disordered breathing and sleep apnea: Identifying and treating issues that affect sleep quality, such as snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic mouth breathing, which can have significant impacts on cognitive function, behavior, and overall health. TMJ Therapy: Addressing temporomandibular joint pain, headaches, jaw clicking, and other related symptoms, often linked to craniofacial underdevelopment and airway issues. The clinic strongly advocates for early intervention, recognizing that the majority of craniofacial development occurs before age 12. By addressing issues during these crucial growth periods, they aim to prevent more severe problems later in life and achieve more effective, less invasive treatment outcomes. Their patient testimonials frequently highlight significant improvements in breathing, sleep quality, eating, speech, and overall quality of life.