Airway-Centric Orthodontics for Kids & Adults in Metairie, LA
Breathe Better. Sleep Better. Smile Confidently.
At Hamada Orthodontics, we do more than straighten teeth. We help you and your child breathe freely, sleep deeply, and thrive with airway-centric orthodontics.
By focusing on airway health and jaw development at our three offices in Metairie, Luling, and Destrehan, we support whole-body wellness and create beautiful smiles that last.
Airway-Focused Treatment & Beautiful Smiles
We believe orthodontics should create more than just straight teeth. Properly developed jaws, esthetic facial balance, and healthy breathing patterns lay the foundation for lifelong confidence and wellness.
For Children:
More Than Just Straight Teeth
Many parents assume orthodontics is only about straightening teeth. But if your child is snoring, mouth-breathing, or tossing and turning at night, it could be a sign of an underlying airway issue.
If your child:
- Breathes through their mouth or snores
- Struggles with focus, energy, or frequent restlessness
- Has crowded teeth or a small jaw
- Teeth Grinding
Early airway-focused treatment can help kids:
- Sleep better and wake up refreshed, more focused
- Breathe more easily and feel more energized
- Develop a confident, naturally aligned smile
How We Help:
- Palatal Expansion (RPE & MARPE): Widens the jaw to improve breathing and facial development.
- Braces: Gently align teeth with very light forces to allow further jaw development
- Collaborative Care: Work with myofunctional therapists and ENTs for long lasting results.
For Adults:
Better Breathing,
Better Health, Better Smile
Many adults live with jaw pain, fatigue, or experience afternoon fatigue not realizing that airway difficulties might be stealing much needed quality sleep from them.
If you experience:
- Snoring, daytime sleepiness, or morning headaches
- TMJ pain, clenching, tooth wear, or frequent tension headaches
- A history of orthodontic relapse
We offer solutions that can improve your breathing, health, and smile:
- Minimally Invasive Palatal Expansion (MARPE): Expands the upper jaw for better airflow and reduced sleep apnea symptoms.
- Clear Aligners or braces for Airway & Alignment: Straighten teeth while supporting airway function and jaw stability.
- TMJ & Myofunctional Therapy: Addresses jaw pain and muscle tension at the source.
Healthy Is Beautiful
What Is Airway-Centric Orthodontics?
Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on straightening teeth and correcting your bite. Airway-centric orthodontics takes a broader approach. It evaluates how the size and position of your jaws affect your ability to breathe, sleep, and function — then treats the underlying structural issues, not just the cosmetic ones.
When a child’s jaw doesn’t develop properly, or when an adult’s airway is compromised by a narrow palate or recessed jaw, the effects can reach far beyond crooked teeth. Poor jaw development is linked to sleep-disordered breathing, chronic mouth breathing, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction, and even behavioral and focus issues in children.
At Hamada Orthodontics, Dr. Allison Hamada uses advanced diagnostics — including 3D imaging and airway assessment — to evaluate each patient’s jaw structure, tongue posture, breathing patterns, and facial development before recommending treatment. This whole-patient evaluation is what sets airway-focused orthodontic care apart from conventional approaches.
The goal isn’t just a straighter smile. It’s better breathing, better sleep, and a foundation for lifelong health.
Why Families in Metairie Trust Dr. Hamada for Airway Orthodontics
Dr. Allison Hamada didn’t discover airway-centric orthodontics from a textbook — she discovered it through her own daughter, Sophia. When Sophia struggled with snoring, restless sleep, and difficulty focusing, Dr. Hamada recognized the signs of an airway issue that traditional orthodontics wouldn’t address. That personal experience changed her entire approach to patient care.
Today, Dr. Hamada is one of the few orthodontists in the Greater New Orleans area who evaluates every patient’s airway as part of their orthodontic assessment. She has advanced training in airway-focused treatment protocols, palatal expansion techniques including RPE and MARPE, and collaborative care with myofunctional therapists and ENT specialists. She stays at the forefront of growth and development guidance research through ongoing continuing education.
Her approach is straightforward: find the root cause, treat it early when possible, and help every patient breathe better, sleep better, and smile with confidence.
Families across Jefferson Parish and St. Charles Parish choose Hamada Orthodontics because Dr. Hamada takes the time to explain what she sees, why it matters, and how treatment will help — not just with straight teeth, but with real health improvements you can feel.
Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation
Many parents bring their child in for crowded teeth or a crooked smile, only to learn that the real issue runs deeper. If your child shows any of these signs, an airway evaluation with an orthodontist in Metairie could reveal problems worth treating early:
- Mouth breathing during the day or while sleeping — Chronic mouth breathing changes how the jaw and face develop, often leading to a narrow palate and long facial growth pattern
- Snoring or noisy breathing at night — Snoring in children is not normal and may indicate a restricted airway
- Restless sleep, bedwetting, or night terrors — These are often connected to disrupted breathing during sleep
- Difficulty concentrating or behavioral issues at school — Poor sleep from airway obstruction can mimic symptoms of ADHD
- Crowded teeth, a narrow smile, or a small lower jaw — These are physical signs that the jaw hasn’t developed enough space for the teeth or the tongue
- Dark circles under the eyes or a tired appearance — Often called “allergic shiners,” these can indicate chronic nasal congestion and mouth breathing
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7. At Hamada Orthodontics, early orthodontic evaluations allow Dr. Hamada to identify airway concerns while your child’s jaw is still growing — when intervention is most effective and least invasive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway Orthodontics in Metairie
What is airway-centric orthodontics, and how is it different from regular orthodontics?
Airway-centric orthodontics evaluates how your jaw structure, tongue position, and breathing patterns affect your overall health — not just the alignment of your teeth. At Hamada Orthodontics, Dr. Hamada assesses every patient’s airway function as part of the treatment planning process. This approach identifies underlying issues like mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and jaw underdevelopment that traditional orthodontics may overlook.
At what age should my child be evaluated for airway orthodontics?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, and airway concerns can be identified even earlier. Because 80% of jaw growth happens by age 7, early intervention gives Dr. Hamada the best opportunity to guide jaw development, expand the palate, and create space for proper breathing and adult teeth.
Can adults benefit from airway orthodontics?
Absolutely. Many adults deal with snoring, jaw pain, fatigue, and poor sleep without realizing these symptoms are connected to their jaw structure and airway. Dr. Hamada offers treatments like MARPE (minimally invasive palatal expansion for adults), clear aligners, and TMJ and myofunctional therapy to improve breathing, reduce pain, and create a healthier, more balanced smile — even for patients who had braces as teens.ve airflow and decrease sleep apnea symptoms.
How much does airway orthodontic treatment cost in the Metairie area?
Treatment costs vary depending on your specific needs, the type of appliances used, and the length of care. Hamada Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible for families in Metairie, Luling, Destrehan, and throughout the New Orleans metro area. We also accept most dental insurance plans. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule a free consultation.
Will my child need braces if they get early airway treatment?
Early airway treatment (often called Phase 1) focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting breathing patterns while your child is still developing. In many cases, this reduces the complexity of future orthodontic treatment — some children may need shorter treatment with braces later, and others may avoid certain interventions altogether. Dr. Hamada will outline a clear, individualized plan based on your child’s specific development.
What is palatal expansion, and does it hurt?
Palatal expansion uses a custom appliance to gently widen the upper jaw over time. For children, this process takes advantage of the natural growth plate in the palate, making it comfortable and effective. For adults, Dr. Hamada uses MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion), a minimally invasive technique. Most patients experience mild pressure for the first few days, but the process is well-tolerated.
Learn more about jaw expansion and what Metairie parents should know.
Does Hamada Orthodontics accept insurance for airway orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Hamada Orthodontics accepts most major dental insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage before treatment begins. We also offer flexible payment plans so that cost doesn’t stand in the way of better breathing and better health for your family.
Where are your offices located?
Hamada Orthodontics has three convenient locations serving the Greater New Orleans area:
Hamada Orthodontics | Metairie, LA 123 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005
Hamada Orthodontics | Luling, LA 118 Lakewood Dr, Luling, LA 70070
Hamada Orthodontics | Destrehan, LA 131 Ormond Center Ct, Destrehan, LA 70047
All three offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM. We serve families across Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, and the surrounding New Orleans metro communities.
Airway Orthodontic Care at Three Convenient Locations
Whether you’re in Metairie, Luling, or Destrehan, Hamada Orthodontics makes it easy for your family to get the airway-focused care you need close to home. Each office offers the same advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and collaborative approach that sets Dr. Hamada’s practice apart.
Hamada Orthodontics | Metairie, LA
123 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005
Serving families in Metairie, Kenner, and across Jefferson Parish.
Hamada Orthodontics | Luling, LA
118 Lakewood Dr, Luling, LA 70070
Convenient for families in Luling, Boutte, and the River Parishes.
Hamada Orthodontics | Destrehan, LA
131 Ormond Center Ct, Destrehan, LA 70047
Serving Destrehan, St. Rose, and St. Charles Parish families.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Now accepting new patients at all three locations. Flexible scheduling and payment plans are available.