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Airway Orthodontics in Nashville, TN
Healthy facial development starts early.
- Phase 1 orthodontic treatment for children
- Complimentary growth-focused evaluations
- No referral required, schedule with us today
Actual Patient
Nashville Parents Choose Dr. Foltz
Dr. Brandon Foltz has long believed that early orthodontic guidance lays the foundation for healthier facial growth and breathing in growing children.
That philosophy shaped how he practiced long before "airway orthodontics" became a popular term. Parents today are hearing the word from pediatricians, ENTs, and pediatric dentists.
At Avenue South Orthodontics, airway-conscious care isn't a new service or a marketing add-on. It is a natural extension of the growth-focused, Phase 1 orthodontic approach Dr. Foltz has applied since opening the practice in 2017. Pediatric dentists and other specialists throughout Nashville refer to Dr. Foltz with confidence, and families are always welcome to schedule directly.
A Growth-Focused Case
at Avenue South
How Phase 1 Supports Healthy Development
Phase 1 orthodontics, also called early interceptive orthodontics, refers to treatment that begins while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, typically between ages 6 and 10. At Avenue South, Phase 1 is the primary vehicle for growth-focused care. When the timing is right, Phase 1 treatment with our orthodontist in Nashville, TN, may:
- Guide jaw development during a child's most responsive growth window
- Correct crossbites that, left untreated, can affect long-term bite and facial development
- Improve arch development to create space for erupting permanent teeth
- Encourage nasal breathing patterns by addressing structural contributors
- Support improved oral function including chewing, swallowing, and tongue posture
- Optimize facial growth symmetry early, reducing the complexity of future treatment
Phase 1 treatment does not replace full orthodontic treatment later. What it does is create a stronger foundation for the teeth, the jaw, and your growing child's overall development. This allows for the permanent teeth to have the proper space to erupt, making phase 2 treatment less invasive and more predictable.
What Dr. Foltz Looks for in a Growth-Focused Evaluation
A growth-focused evaluation looks at more than the alignment of your child's teeth. During their visit, Dr. Foltz looks for the patterns that signal how the jaw, palate, and airway are developing together:
- Narrow upper arches
- Crossbites
- Early crowding tied to jaw development
- Mouth breathing during the day or at night
- Tongue posture at rest
- Prolonged thumb, finger, or pacifier habits
- Sleep-disordered breathing signs
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Asymmetrical facial growth patterns
- Overall facial development
FAQ About Growth-Focused Orthodontics in Nashville
When should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The AAO recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. An early evaluation does not always lead to early treatment. It simply ensures that nothing important is missed during a critical growth period.
What signs should I watch for that might indicate my child needs a growth-focused evaluation?
Common signs that warrant an airway-conscious evaluation include chronic mouth breathing, restless sleep or difficulty waking, nighttime snoring, prolonged thumb or finger habits, crowded or narrow-appearing teeth, crossbites, frequent sinus congestion, and asymmetrical facial development. If your child's pediatrician, ENT, or pediatric dentist has raised airway concerns, an orthodontic evaluation is a natural next step.
Does my child need a referral to schedule an evaluation at Avenue South?
No referral is required. Families are welcome to schedule a growth-focused orthodontic evaluation directly. That said, Dr. Foltz does work closely with referring providers, and welcomes patients referred from those offices.
Does my child need a CBCT scan or X-rays before the evaluation?
Advanced imaging is not required for most initial evaluations at Avenue South. If any other imaging is needed for proper diagnosis, Dr. Foltz will refer that out.
Will Phase 1 treatment mean my child needs to go through orthodontics twice?
Phase 1 treatment addresses growth and developmental concerns during a specific early window. It does not replace full orthodontic treatment later for most patients. However, creating a better foundation often reduces the complexity, duration, and cost of teen orthodontic care.
