The bones of the face do not grow in isolation. They develop in response to the soft tissues and functions surrounding them, including breathing, swallowing, chewing and resting tongue posture. This principle has underpinned orthodontic thinking for decades. Where those functions are disrupted during the growth years, the pattern of facial development can be affected alongside them.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder marked by repeated upper airway collapse during sleep, resulting in disrupted sleep and adverse health outcomes ranging from daytime sleepiness to cardiovascular risks. Left undiagnosed, OSA contributes to impaired quality of life, hypertension, stroke, and metabolic dysfunction.

Orthodontic treatment is considered a rite of passage for many children, but accessing it can be a puzzle, especially when considering the NHS. Getting braces for free on the NHS is a fantastic option, but it's not available to all.