Frequently Asked Questions

For Parents Who Want More Than Just Straight Teeth

At Strong Ties, we see what others overlook. Many families come to us after feeling dismissed elsewhere—worried about mouth breathing, poor sleep, or narrow jaws, only to be told “wait and see.” If you’re here, chances are you’re the one in your child’s life who notices things. And we want you to know: that matters.

We specialize in whole-body, airway-centered care for children and adults—going beyond quick fixes to support lasting, healthy development. These FAQs reflect real questions we hear every day, and they’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

Parent Concerns & Instincts

  • Yes—and you’re right to trust your gut. Mouth breathing, snoring, and restless sleep can be signs of airway issues that affect your child’s development. At Strong Ties, we take these concerns seriously and offer thorough evaluations that look beyond the teeth.

  • Absolutely. Early action can make a big difference. We start evaluations as early as age 3 to guide growth before bigger problems develop. Prevention is our priority—not just waiting for braces later.

  • You’re not alone, and your instincts matter. Many caregivers feel dismissed elsewhere. We’re here to validate your concerns and explain what you’re noticing in a way that makes sense.

  • That’s exactly why families come to us. We help you make sense of the big picture and coordinate with other providers when needed, so you’re not left navigating it all alone.

What Makes Strong Ties Different

  • No—we’re not your typical ortho office. We focus on facial development, breathing, tongue posture, and growth patterns. Straight teeth are just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

  • We dig deeper. Instead of patching symptoms, we uncover root causes and build thoughtful, layered plans that promote long-term results—not temporary fixes.

  • Yes—we specialize in growth-guiding care that often includes myofunctional therapy, habit changes, and gentle appliance use. Our approach is aligned with holistic values and focuses on supporting the body’s natural potential.

  • Yes—function matters just as much as appearance. Even with straight teeth, things like poor breathing, tongue posture, or narrow jaws can impact your child’s health and development.

Care for Children (and Beyond)

  • It’s not too late. While early care is ideal, we regularly help older children improve function, avoid extractions, and reduce the need for more invasive treatment later

  • We treat both! Many adults benefit from our airway-centered care, especially those with TMJ pain, sleep issues, or bite concerns. We’re always honest about what’s possible and what will be most effective.

  • Yes—those are often tied to oral dysfunction. We frequently collaborate with speech therapists, OTs, and myofunctional therapists to provide coordinated care

  •  We’re highly knowledgeable in identifying and supporting tongue ties. If release is needed, we take a whole-body approach with proper preparation and follow-up care that includes myofunctional therapy.

TMJ, Breathing, and Specialized Support

  • Yes—we take a functional, airway-first approach to TMJ issues, looking at posture, bite, muscle tension, and breathing to uncover the true cause of pain and discomfort.

  •  Yes—we offer virtual consultations and follow-ups when appropriate. These are helpful for screenings, progress check-ins, or therapy support. We’ll guide you on what needs to happen in-person vs. remotely.

Logistics & What to Expect

  •  The first visit is calm, friendly, and thorough—usually about 1 hour. We take detailed photos, assess breathing, jaw development, and facial symmetry, and explain everything clearly. You’ll walk out with answers, not confusion.

  •  It varies depending on your child’s needs. Some plans take a few months, others are longer-term. We always provide a clear timeline and walk you through the entire process.

  • Most patients are seen every 4–6 weeks. We adjust this based on your treatment plan to ensure steady progress without unnecessary visits.

  • We’re out-of-network so we can provide the highest quality, personalized care. We’ll provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance, and we’re happy to walk you through it.

  •  We focus on comfort and compliance. Many of our appliances are small, removable, or even invisible. In many cases, we begin with exercises and behavior changes before introducing any appliance at all.

  • Never. Our visits are designed to be unhurried and collaborative. We take time to listen, educate, and guide—because your story and your child’s well-being deserve that.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to wait for things to get worse—or settle for quick fixes that don’t last. At Strong Ties, we help you understand the why behind your concerns and provide clear, compassionate guidance toward real solutions. Whether you're exploring care for your child or seeking answers as an adult, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.