No One Told Me

Episode 51 - A Dentist's Guide About Growth Appliances vs. Custom Expanders

When a before and after photo on Instagram blew up with parents asking "did you use THIS expander or THAT one?" Dr. Liz Turner of Untethered Airway Health Center knew it was time to have an honest, in depth conversation about what's really going on behind the scenes of pediatric jaw expansion. In this episode, Dr. Liz breaks down the key differences between guided growth appliances, the prefabricated silicone appliances you've probably seen all over social media and custom fixed expanders that are lab designed specifically for your child's unique anatomy. She explains exactly how each appliance works, what it can realistically achieve, and most importantly, which children are actually candidates for each approach. She walks listeners through her full treatment philosophy and sequencing: starting with the role of pacifiers in early oral development, transitioning to the MyoMunchie as a sensory and compliance tool, progressing to prefabricated guided growth appliances when appropriate, and ultimately using custom lab developed expanders for the majority of her expansion cases because that's where the evidence points and where she sees the most consistent, lasting results. Dr. Liz also tackles the fear-mongering head-on. She demystifies Rapid Palatal Expanders, explaining why the word "rapid" is misleading and how slow, controlled expansion using a custom appliance is actually far gentler and more effective than what many parents imagine. She discusses how tonsils and adenoids, nasal resistance, sensory processing challenges, and even environmental factors like mold and microplastics all play a role in determining the right airway treatment pathway for a child. One of the most important takeaways from this episode is the conversation around imaging. Dr. Liz makes a compelling case for why CBCT scans are not optional if you want to truly understand what's happening beneath the surface of your child's smile and why skipping imaging in the name of avoiding low dose radiation could actually result in under treatment, over treatment, or missing the growth window altogether. She also zooms out to the big picture: what happens when jaw underdevelopment goes unaddressed in childhood. The answer is costly broken teeth, gum recession, periodontal disease, failed restorations, and dental implants, all of which trace back to a bony foundation that was never properly developed. Dr. Liz shares her own personal story, having already undergone three full dental reconstructions herself, to underscore just how real and expensive the long term consequences can be. This episode is essential listening for parents navigating the overwhelming world of pediatric orthodontics and airway health, and for dental providers who want to build more comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and truly effective airway focused practices. Because when you treat the structure, you change the whole trajectory of a child's health. Learn more & get support: https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com [https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com] Follow us for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/ [https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc [https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway [https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway] Explore Our Courses Foundations of Airway Dentistry: https://theuntetheredway.com/foundations-course [https://theuntetheredway.com/foundations-course] Advanced Frenectomy & Surgical Training: https://theuntetheredway.com/frenectomy-course [https://theuntetheredway.com/frenectomy-course] Allied Health & Myofunctional Therapy Training: https://theuntetheredway.com/allied-providers [https://theuntetheredway.com/allied-providers] Subscribe, like, and share if this resonated with you, because when you breathe better, you live better.

Episode 50 - What Every Parent Needs To Know About Airway Health in Kids with Dr. Emily Hill

What if symptoms like snoring, mouth breathing, bedwetting, poor sleep, or crowded teeth were actually signs of an underlying airway issue? In this episode, Dr. Meggie Graham is joined by Dr. Emily Hill for a thoughtful conversation about airway-focused dentistry, pediatric airway health, tongue ties, dysfunctional breathing, and the growing need for more education around airway-centered care. As both a dentist and a mother, Dr. Emily shares her personal experience navigating airway concerns within her own family and how those experiences completely shifted the way she approaches dentistry and patient care today. She opens up about the gaps in traditional dental training, the frustration many parents feel when searching for answers, and why trusting parental instincts matters when it comes to children’s health and development. Throughout the episode, Dr. Meggie and Dr. Emily discuss how breathing impacts everything from facial growth and sleep quality to long-term systemic health. They also highlight the importance of collaboration between dentists, myofunctional therapists, ENTs, lactation consultants, orthodontists, and other healthcare providers to create better outcomes for patients. Topics covered in this episode include: * Pediatric airway health * Tongue ties and oral restrictions * Mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing * Facial development and airway growth * Airway-focused dentistry * Functional breathing * Dental education and airway awareness * Collaborative healthcare approaches * Helping parents feel seen and heard This episode is perfect for parents, dentists, healthcare providers, and anyone wanting to better understand the powerful connection between breathing, development, sleep, and overall wellness. Listen now to discover why airway health is changing the future of dentistry and patient care. If this episode helped you, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us grow and continue sharing meaningful conversations.  Learn more & get support: https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com [https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com] Follow us for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/ [https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc [https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway [https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway] Explore Our Courses Foundations of Airway Dentistry: https://theuntetheredway.com/foundations-course [https://theuntetheredway.com/foundations-course] Advanced Frenectomy & Surgical Training: https://theuntetheredway.com/frenectomy-course [https://theuntetheredway.com/frenectomy-course] Allied Health & Myofunctional Therapy Training: https://theuntetheredway.com/allied-providers [https://theuntetheredway.com/allied-providers] Subscribe, like, and share if this resonated with you, because when you breathe better, you live better. About the guest:  Dr. Emily Hill is a general dentist at Marana Sky Dental in Tucson, Arizona, with a passion for airway-focused dentistry and whole-body health. Originally from Burlington, Vermont, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences before working as a dental hygienist for three years. Dr. Hill graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marquette University School of Dentistry and was inducted into the national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. She later completed a General Practice Residency at the Level One Trauma Center at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she expanded her clinical training and comprehensive approach to patient care. Having also lived abroad with her family in Switzerland and Germany, Dr. Hill brings a unique perspective to healthcare and dentistry. As both a dentist and a mom, she is passionate about helping families better understand the connection between breathing, development, sleep, and long-term wellness. Connect with them: Website: https://maranaskydental.com/ [https://maranaskydental.com/]

Episode 49 - How Sound Therapy is Changing Sleep, Breathing, Health with Brian Ganey

What if the reason you’re not sleeping well, feeling constantly tired, or struggling with focus has less to do with stress and more to do with how you breathe? In this episode, Dr. Meggie Graham is joined by Brian Ganey from Sound Health to explore a new, science-backed approach to airway care using the Sonu Band. This wearable device uses acoustic resonance therapy (ART), a combination of sound frequencies and gentle vibration—to help reduce nasal congestion, improve airflow, and support the body’s natural processes, including nitric oxide production, which plays a critical role in oxygen delivery and overall health. But this conversation goes beyond the technology itself. It dives into the bigger picture, why airway health is often overlooked, why traditional treatments tend to focus on symptoms instead of root causes, and how this gap is impacting both patients and providers. Dr. Meggie and Brian discuss the connection between breathing, sleep quality, behavior, and long-term wellness, highlighting how something as simple as nasal airflow can influence multiple systems in the body. They also explore why dentists are uniquely positioned to identify airway issues early—and how integrating airway awareness into everyday practice can create significant improvements in patient outcomes. The episode also touches on the role of innovation in healthcare. With the use of AI, facial scans, and voice biomarkers, treatment can now be tailored to each individual, making it more accurate, measurable, and effective. One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is the importance of immediate feedback. When patients feel a noticeable difference quickly, they’re far more likely to stay consistent and that consistency is what leads to long-term transformation. Whether you’re a provider looking to expand your understanding or someone searching for answers to ongoing breathing or sleep challenges, this episode offers both clarity and a new perspective on what’s possible. If this episode helped you, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us grow and continue sharing meaningful conversations. Learn more & get support: https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.comhttps://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com [https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com] Follow us for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/ [https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc [https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway [https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway] Explore Our Courses Foundations of Airway Dentistry: https://theuntetheredway.com/foundations-course [https://theuntetheredway.com/foundations-course] Advanced Frenectomy & Surgical Training: https://theuntetheredway.com/frenectomy-course [https://theuntetheredway.com/frenectomy-course] Allied Health & Myofunctional Therapy Training: https://theuntetheredway.com/allied-providers [https://theuntetheredway.com/allied-providers] Subscribe, like, and share if this resonated with you, because when you breathe better, you live better.

Episode 48 - The Airway Secret Behind Sleep, Speech & Focus with Brittany Bailey

What if the behaviors we label… are actually rooted in how someone breathes? In this episode, Dr. Liz Turner sits down with Brittany Bailey to unpack a conversation that challenges the way we understand behavior, development, and overall health. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of airway health, myofunctional therapy, and neurodivergence and why this connection is often missed. From autism and ADHD to sensory sensitivities and beyond, they break down how structural differences in the airway, low muscle tone, and learned breathing patterns can quietly influence everything from sleep and speech to emotional regulation, focus, and daily behavior. This episode goes beyond surface-level explanations. It highlights how many individuals are labeled or misunderstood without ever having their airway or breathing patterns properly evaluated and how addressing these root causes can unlock real, meaningful change. You’ll hear: * How airway issues commonly show up in neurodivergent individuals and why they’re so often overlooked or misinterpreted * The connection between breathing, posture, oral function, and overall development * Why myofunctional therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach, especially for those with sensory sensitivities * How to work with the nervous system instead of against it to create safe, sustainable progress * Practical insights into building routines that actually work for families and individuals * Why consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to long-term results They also share a powerful real-life story of a child whose ability to speak, eat, and connect improved dramatically through the right support and approach, a moment that will truly shift your perspective on what’s possible when the root cause is addressed. This conversation is for: ✔️ Parents who feel like they’re missing something in their child’s care ✔️ Providers looking to expand their understanding of airway-focused treatment ✔️ Anyone curious about the deeper connection between breathing, behavior, and quality of life Because when you start looking at the body as a whole, not in isolated parts everything begins to make more sense. If this episode gave you a new perspective, we’d really appreciate it if you left a quick review, it helps us reach more families and providers who need this information. Learn more & get support: https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com [https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com] Follow us for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/ [https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc [https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway [https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway] Enroll in The Untethered Way (for providers): 👉 https://theuntetheredway.com [https://theuntetheredway.com] Subscribe, like, and share if this resonated with you, because when you breathe better, you live better About the guest:  Brittany Bailey is a myofunctional and breathing therapist and founder of Joyful Breathing. She specializes in helping neurodivergent children and adults improve breathing, sleep, and overall function through personalized, sensory-aware therapy. Connect with the guest: Website:  https://www.joyfulbreathingcolorado.com/ [https://www.joyfulbreathingcolorado.com/]

Episode 47 - Is Your Child's Snoring Dangerous? What Parents Must Know with Dr. David McIntosh

Snoring in children is often dismissed as normal but what if it’s actually a warning sign of deeper health issues? In this episode, Dr. Liz Turner and Dr. Meggie Graham is joined by Paediatric ENT Specialist Dr. David McIntosh to explore the powerful connection between airway health, sleep quality, and child development. They break down why snoring, mouth breathing, and restless sleep should never be ignored and how these issues can impact brain function, behavior, and long-term health. This conversation also dives into the importance of early intervention, the role of tonsils and adenoids, and why collaboration between dentists and ENTs is critical for better outcomes. Dr. McIntosh brings extensive expertise in airway obstruction, sinus disease, and paediatric ENT care. He holds a PhD in sinus surgery healing, is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), and has contributed to global research and education in airway health. If you’re a parent or provider looking to better understand the hidden impact of sleep and breathing this episode will change how you see it. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this. Learn more & get support: https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com [https://untetheredairwayhealthcenter.com] Follow us for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/ [https://www.instagram.com/untetheredairway/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc [https://www.facebook.com/untetheredahc] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway [https://www.tiktok.com/@untetheredairway] Enroll in The Untethered Way (for providers): 👉 https://theuntetheredway.com [https://theuntetheredway.com] Subscribe, like, and share if this resonated with you, because when you breathe better, you live better. About the guest:  Dr. David McIntosh is a Paediatric ENT Specialist focused on airway obstruction, sleep disordered breathing, and the connection between facial development and overall health. He holds a PhD in sinus surgery healing, is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), and has published and presented internationally on ENT and airway health. He is also passionate about interdisciplinary care and improving Indigenous health outcomes. Connect with the guest: Website: https://entspecialists.com.au/ [https://entspecialists.com.au/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdavidmcintosh/ [https://www.facebook.com/drdavidmcintosh/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mcintosh.ent/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.mcintosh.ent/]