ABC Story
"Growing Healthy Smiles and Minds for
Healthy Breathing and Sleep into Adulthood"
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.
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.
What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)?
The muscles of the face, mouth & throat must be in balance to work together in harmony. When they do not function properly during speech, swallow, or at rest, all sorts of problems can affect anyone, from newborns to adults either directly or indirectly.
What are Tethered Oral Tissues?
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) is a term used to describe tight, restrictive connective tissue between oral structures.
What is a Tongue tie (TOT)?
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition in which an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth. If necessary, tongue-tie can be treated with a surgical cut to release the frenulum (functional frenectomy).
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
Others
Breathing Related Issues
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
Dental Related Issues