Our Story
Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry Airway Breathing Center (ABC) was founded by Dr. Lopez in 2021 to help identify potential issues early enough so our patients can keep growing healthy smiles and minds for healthy breathing and sleep into adulthood. Our practice’s goal is to walk along alongside our patient’s journey to airway health.
We provide elective procedures using laser therapy such as Babylase, Oralase, Smilelase, L.A.F.T.R., Nightlase. We also provide surgeries for functional frenuloplasty releases using a Fotona LightWalker Laser. Lastly we help connect patient’s with other providers such as Myofunctional Therapist, Orthodontist, Chiropractors, and Craniosacral Therapist to help patients reach their goal to airway health.
The Beginning of the Airway Journey
“My brother Oscar stayed with me during the start of the pandemic. He always had trouble pronouncing his S's without a lisp - even his own name! We set him up with a myofunctional therapist & she taught him tongue exercises via Zoom. Eventually he had a tongue tie release and says it changed his life! He could finally pronounce "S", his posture improved & he reported finally feeling rested after sleep.”
After Dr. Lopez personally experienced this positive change in airway health for her brother, she now sees that it is our obligation to inform families of the impact tethered oral tissues can have on a child and what effects it has into adulthood.
This started her journey into learning more about tethered oral tissues and what she could do to help her patients. Being in a pediatric dental office setting we have the ability to identify and help correct breathing patterns, facial development, and pediatric sleep disordered breathing early on.
_JPG.jpg)
Shadelands Airway Breathing Center, under the leadership of Dr. Melissa Lopez and team is dedicated to enhancing global airway health. Our mission is to deliver compassionate care, providing innovative solutions for optimal breathing. Emphasizing education and cutting-edge treatments, we aspire to redefine airway health standards. Our team is honored and enthusiastic about making a significant impact on lives, ushering in a new era of improved airway function. Together, we are committed to ensuring each breath reflects the vitality of life.
Related Symptoms of Tethered Oral Tissues/ Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Does Your Child Present With Any of the Following?
Sleep Related Issues
-
Snoring
-
Audible Sounds During Sleep
-
Mouth Breathing Day or Night
-
Excessive Drooling
-
Enuresis
-
Dark Circles ( Allergic Shiners)
-
Exhaustion
-
Headaches
-
Bruxism/ Teeth Grinding
-
Night Terrors
Speech Related Issues
-
Speech Difficulties/Delays
-
In/Has Been in Speech Therapy
-
Stutters
-
Articulation Problems
Others
-
Frequent Ear Infections
-
Ear Tubes Placement
-
Adenoids or Tonsils Removal
-
ADD/ADHD
-
Focusing Difficulties
-
Retained Primitive Reflexes
Breathing Related Issues
-
Allergies
-
Noisy Breathing
-
Dry or Swollen Tonsils & Adenoids
-
Hypertrophy of Nasal Turbinates
-
Deviated Septum
Eating Related Issues
-
Picky Eater/ Feeding Issues
-
Tongue Thrust/ Reverse Swallow
-
Neck Engagement During Swallowing
-
Breastfeeding Difficulties
-
Hyper Gag Reflex
-
Failure to Thrive/ Weight Faltering
Posture Related Issues
-
Neck Engagement During Swallowing
-
Headaches
-
Bruxism/ Teeth Grinding
-
Retrognathia/Weak or Stunted Chin
-
Head Forward Position
Dental Related Issues
-
Oral Habits
-
Hyper Gag Reflex
-
Bruxism/ Gag Reflex
-
Retrognathia/Weak or Stunted Chin
-
High Palate
-
Tongue Thrust-> Anterior Open Bite
-
Crowded Teeth
We Are Here For You at Shadelands Airway Breathing Center!
At Shadelands Airway Breathing Center we have a dedicated commitment to guiding you towards optimal health. Our overarching goal is to foster Growing Healthy Smiles and Minds, ensuring not just immediate well-being but laying the foundation for Healthy Breathing and Sound Sleep well into adulthood. With a team dedicated to your care, we aim to provide support, education, and personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs. Join us on this transformative journey towards a future filled with vibrant health and sustained well-being.
.png)