A new dental practice is opening in Pine Market with the goal of riding the world of sleep-disordered breathing.
The Airway Dentists takes an interdisciplinary approach to health that addresses the root cause of where the problems begin —the airway, said Dr. Kelsi Parker, DDS, the lead dentist at the Woodforest practice.
“At The Airway Dentists, we take a whole-health approach to treating sleep-disordered breathing,” she said, “By focusing on airway structure and function—not just symptoms—we help patients of all ages breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier lives.”
The Airway Dentists is built on the pioneering work of Dr. Christian Guilleminault a psychologist and neurologist at the Stanford Sleep Center who placed dentistry at the cornerstone of treating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Using advanced orthodontics, they can significantly improve oral and overall health through airway expansion.
Dr. Parker graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry. Since graduating she has taken extensive continuing education courses in both airway dentistry and frenectomy protocols. She has a passion for understanding the “why” behind symptoms and said that airway dentistry is a unique approach that allows her to get to the root cause of common complaints that patient's have regarding their health.
“It's about the foundation — the jaws,” she said. “Foundation first, teeth second. Your teeth will last you a lifetime if the foundation is strong; it is when the foundation is poor that the risks increase for poor breathing, orthodontic relapse, broken teeth, etc.”
During a consultation Dr. Parker does a thorough clinical and functional evaluation of the head, neck, and oral cavity. The screening includes low-radiation digital imaging, airway-focused exams, and functional assessments of tongue posture, jaw development, and breathing habits. Upon completion Dr. Parker determines a customized treatment plan.
Dr. Parker says general dentistry services are also offered as well as collaboration with other providers such as: IBCLCs, SLPs, OTs, chiropractors, pediatricians, ENTs, myofunctional therapists, etc., to provide the best personalized care for her patients. In addition, Dr. Parker will be providing frenectomies — a precise, gentle treatment for tongue and lip ties, supporting better oral function, breathing, and speech.
“At The Airway Dentists, orthodontics is about more than straight teeth,” she said. “We focus on guiding healthy jaw and facial development to support better breathing, long-term stability, and beautiful smiles. Our growth-centered approach ensures that function and form work together—for results that last a lifetime.”
