“The Teeth are a Gateway to your Well-Being.”

When you look in the mirror, do you notice one side of your face appears different from the other? Does your head tend to lean forward when you’re working at your computer or looking at your phone? You might be surprised to learn that these seemingly unrelated observations could be connected to serious sleep and breathing problems affecting your overall health.

At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics in Mansfield, Texas, Dr. Jiyoung Jung takes a comprehensive approach to dental care that goes far beyond traditional dentistry. Featured on NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, CBS & TEDx, and recognized as an Award-winning dentist in D Magazine’s Best Dentists from 2021-2025, Dr. Jung understands that facial asymmetry and forward head posture aren’t just cosmetic concerns—they’re often warning signs of underlying airway and sleep issues that can dramatically impact your quality of life.

Understanding the Connection Between Facial Symmetry, Posture, and Breathing

Your face tells a story about how your body has developed and how it functions today. When we talk about facial symmetry, we’re looking at whether both sides of your face are balanced and aligned. Perfect symmetry is rare, but significant asymmetry can indicate developmental issues that affect not just your appearance, but your ability to breathe properly, sleep well, and maintain good health.

What Is Facial Asymmetry?

Facial asymmetry occurs when one side of your face differs noticeably from the other. This might show up as:

• One eye sitting higher than the other
• A tilted smile or uneven lip positioning
• One cheekbone appearing more prominent
• Your nose deviating to one side
• Uneven jaw positioning or chin placement
• One ear appearing higher than the other

While some degree of asymmetry is completely normal and even adds character to our faces, significant asymmetry often develops because of structural imbalances in how your skull, jaw, and facial bones have grown. These same structural issues can restrict your airway and affect your breathing patterns.

The Forward Head Posture Problem

Forward head posture has become increasingly common in our digital age. When you’re constantly looking down at your phone, hunching over a computer, or maintaining poor posture throughout the day, your head gradually shifts forward from its ideal position over your shoulders.

Think about it this way: your head weighs about 10-12 pounds when properly positioned. For every inch your head moves forward, it effectively adds another 10 pounds of stress on your neck and spine. If your head is three inches forward, your neck muscles are working to support what feels like a 30-40 pound weight all day long.

But the problems go deeper than just neck pain. Forward head posture changes the position of your jaw, tongue, and throat structures, which can significantly narrow your airway. This restricted airway makes it harder to breathe efficiently, especially during sleep when your muscles naturally relax.

How Your Teeth Hold Your Skull and Support Proper Breathing

As Dr. Jung emphasized in her TEDx talk, “The most important function of the teeth is to develop and stabilize the craniofacial structure—to simply hold your skull, so your brain can function properly.” This isn’t just about having a nice smile. Your teeth play a crucial structural role in maintaining the proper position of your entire skull, jaw, and airway.

When your bite is off or your teeth don’t come together correctly, it affects:

• The position of your jaw
• The alignment of your head and neck
• The amount of space available for your tongue
• The width and openness of your airway
• Your ability to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth

This is why dental evaluation at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics includes assessing the vertical and horizontal alignment of your head and neck. Dr. Jung looks at how your facial structures have developed and how they’re functioning together to support proper breathing and overall wellness.

The Sleep and Airway Connection You Need to Know

Many people living in Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, Grand Prairie, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area struggle with sleep issues without realizing that facial asymmetry and forward head posture might be contributing factors. Here’s how these structural issues affect your sleep and breathing.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Upper Airway Resistance

When your airway is narrowed due to structural issues, you’re at higher risk for sleep-disordered breathing. The most serious form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where your airway becomes completely blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night.

Even if you don’t have full-blown sleep apnea, you might have upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), where your airway is narrowed enough that your body has to work harder to breathe. This prevents you from reaching deep, restorative sleep stages even though you’re not experiencing complete breathing stoppages.

Signs you might have sleep-disordered breathing include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Mood changes or irritability
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Frequent nighttime urination

The Cascade of Health Problems

When you’re not breathing properly during sleep, your body never fully rests and recovers. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels and constant sleep disruptions trigger a cascade of health problems:

Cardiovascular Impact: Your heart works harder to compensate for low oxygen levels. This increases your risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and stroke.

Metabolic Effects: Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, contributing to weight gain and increasing your risk of diabetes.

Cognitive Function: Your brain needs deep sleep to process information, consolidate memories, and clear out toxins. Chronic sleep disruption affects your memory, focus, decision-making abilities, and increases your risk of dementia.

Mental Health: The exhaustion and stress of poor sleep contribute to anxiety, depression, and emotional instability.

Immune System: Your immune system relies on quality sleep to function properly. Sleep-disordered breathing leaves you more vulnerable to illness and slows healing.

Dr. Jung’s “Three Legs of the Healing Stool” Philosophy

At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, treatment isn’t about putting a bandaid on symptoms. Dr. Jung’s innovative approach recognizes that true healing requires addressing three interconnected pillars, which she calls the “Three Legs of the Healing Stool”:

1. Structural Balance (Alignment)

This includes body alignment, oral structural alignment, and precise tooth positioning for optimal function. When assessing facial asymmetry and forward head posture, Dr. Jung evaluates:

• How your teeth come together
• The position and function of your jaw joints (TMJ)
• Your craniofacial structure and development
• Your head and neck alignment
• The relationship between these structures and your airway

Just as a three-legged stool needs all three legs to remain stable, your body needs structural balance to function optimally.

2. Chemical Balance in the Body

This addresses toxicity and optimizes your body’s internal chemical environment for healing. Dr. Jung considers:

• Oral pH and bacterial balance
• Systemic inflammatory factors
• Nutritional status
• How dental materials and treatments affect your body chemistry

3. Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Balance

Recognizing the profound connection between your mental state and physical health, this pillar addresses:

• How stress and anxiety affect your breathing patterns and muscle tension
• The emotional impact of chronic health problems and sleep disruption
• Supporting your overall wellbeing and quality of life

This comprehensive approach ensures that treatment addresses root causes rather than just masking symptoms.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics

Located at 1101 Alexis Court #101 in Mansfield, Texas, our practice is equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows Dr. Jung to thoroughly assess your facial structure, airway, and overall oral health:

3D Cone Beam CT Imaging: This advanced imaging provides detailed three-dimensional views of your skull, jaw, airway, and facial structures. Dr. Jung can precisely measure airway dimensions, assess facial asymmetry, and identify structural issues that might be affecting your breathing.

Digital X-rays: Low-radiation digital imaging provides clear pictures of your teeth, jaw joints, and bone structure.

Digital Scanning: State-of-the-art scanners create precise digital models of your teeth and bite without messy impressions.

Grade-4 Advanced Dental Lasers: Our state-of-the-art laser technology enables minimally invasive treatments for various sleep and airway issues with faster healing and less discomfort.

These technologies allow Dr. Jung to provide accurate diagnosis and create personalized treatment plans based on your unique anatomy and needs.

Comprehensive Treatment Options for Sleep and Airway Issues

After a thorough evaluation of your facial symmetry, head and neck alignment, and airway function, Dr. Jung can recommend appropriate treatments to address your specific concerns. Treatment options may include:

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted oral appliances worn during sleep can help reposition your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open. Unlike bulky CPAP machines, these comfortable devices are:

• Easy to wear and travel with
• Silent and non-intrusive
• Effective for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea
• Helpful for those who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy

Dr. Jung specializes in advanced oral appliances including Vivos DNA, Vivos Guide, and Homeoblock devices. These innovative appliances don’t just hold your jaw in position—they’re designed to actually promote airway development and improvement in facial structure over time.

Laser Therapy for Airway Enhancement

Advanced laser technology can be used to address specific airway obstructions:

Laser Tonsil Reduction: Enlarged tonsils are a common cause of airway narrowing, especially in children. Laser therapy can gently reduce tonsil size with minimal discomfort and quick recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Soft Palate Tightening: The laser can firm up loose tissues in the soft palate that vibrate during breathing, reducing snoring and improving airflow.

Tongue Base Reduction: When appropriate, laser therapy can address excess tissue at the base of the tongue that may be blocking the airway.

These procedures are performed with local anesthesia in our comfortable Mansfield office, avoiding the need for hospital surgery and general anesthesia in most cases.

Myofunctional Therapy

Your tongue position and oral muscle function play crucial roles in facial development, breathing patterns, and airway health. Myofunctional therapy involves exercises and techniques to:

• Retrain your tongue to rest in the proper position against the roof of your mouth
• Strengthen oral and facial muscles
• Establish nasal breathing patterns instead of mouth breathing
• Improve swallowing patterns
• Support proper jaw and facial development

This therapy is particularly beneficial for children whose faces are still developing, but adults can benefit too, especially when combined with other treatments.

Orthodontic Treatment

When facial asymmetry and airway issues stem from how your jaws and facial bones have developed, orthodontic treatment can help:

• Expand narrow dental arches to create more room for your tongue and improve airway space
• Guide proper jaw growth and development in children and teens
• Correct bite problems that contribute to poor jaw positioning
• Improve facial symmetry and balance
• Support long-term airway health

Dr. Jung takes an airway-focused approach to orthodontics, ensuring that creating a beautiful smile also supports optimal breathing function.

Collaborative Care Approach

Dr. Jung believes in working together with other healthcare providers to ensure you receive comprehensive care. She frequently collaborates with:

• Ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENTs)
• Sleep medicine physicians
• Chiropractors and physical therapists
• Functional medicine practitioners
• Nutritionists and wellness professionals

This team approach ensures all aspects of your health are addressed and that treatments work together synergistically.

Why Forward Head Posture and Facial Asymmetry Deserve Attention

You might be wondering why you should care about these issues if you’re not experiencing obvious symptoms. Here’s the truth: by the time symptoms become severe enough to significantly impact your daily life, you’ve often been experiencing subtle health effects for years.

Early intervention is key. Addressing structural imbalances, poor breathing patterns, and developing airway issues now can prevent serious health problems down the road. This is especially critical for children, whose faces are still developing. Intervening early can guide proper growth and development, potentially avoiding more invasive treatments later.

For adults, even if you’ve lived with these issues for years, improvement is possible. Your body has remarkable healing capacity when given the proper support and structure. Many patients are amazed at how much better they feel once their breathing improves and they’re getting truly restorative sleep.

What to Expect During Your Comprehensive Evaluation

When you visit Central Park Dental & Orthodontics for concerns about facial asymmetry, forward head posture, or sleep and breathing issues, here’s what your comprehensive evaluation includes:

Detailed Health History

Dr. Jung will ask about your sleep quality, energy levels, breathing patterns, any pain or discomfort you experience, and your overall health history. She’ll want to know about:

• Your sleep habits and any sleep disturbances
• Snoring or breathing pauses
• Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Jaw pain or TMJ symptoms
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Any previous injuries or orthodontic treatment

Thorough Clinical Examination

Dr. Jung will examine your facial symmetry, jaw position, bite relationship, and oral structures. This includes:

• Evaluating your facial proportions and symmetry
• Assessing your head and neck posture
• Checking your jaw joints for signs of dysfunction
• Examining your tongue position and movement
• Looking at the size of your tonsils and airway opening
• Evaluating your oral tissues for signs of mouth breathing or other issues

Advanced Imaging When Indicated

Depending on your specific situation, Dr. Jung may recommend:

• 3D cone beam CT scan to visualize your airway and facial structures in detail
• Digital x-rays to assess your teeth, jaw, and bone structure
• Digital photos and scans to document your current condition

Screening for Sleep-Disordered Breathing

If sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders are suspected, Dr. Jung may recommend:

• A sleep questionnaire to assess your symptoms and risk factors
• Consultation with a sleep medicine specialist for a formal sleep study if needed
• Home sleep testing in some cases

Personalized Treatment Plan Discussion

After gathering all this information, Dr. Jung will sit down with you to discuss her findings and recommendations. She believes in taking time to explain everything clearly, answer your questions, and help you understand how the proposed treatments will address your specific concerns.

You’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Dr. Jung’s philosophy is to meet you wherever you are in your health journey and take it step by step together. What happened in the past is in the past—the focus is on moving forward toward better health.

Special Considerations for Children

If you’re concerned about your child’s facial development, breathing, or sleep quality, early evaluation is crucial. Dr. Jung has extensive experience working with children and takes a gentle, patient approach that helps even anxious kids feel comfortable.

Warning signs that your child might benefit from an airway evaluation include:

• Mouth breathing during the day or sleep
• Snoring or restless sleep
• Bedwetting beyond typical age
• Chronic stuffy nose or frequent respiratory infections
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Difficulty concentrating or hyperactivity
• Poor school performance
• Behavioral issues
• Narrow face or crowded teeth
• Forward head posture

Early intervention during childhood, when the face is still growing and developing, offers the best opportunity to guide proper development and establish healthy breathing patterns that will benefit your child throughout their life.

Real Results: What Patients Are Saying

Families throughout Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, Kennedale, Midlothian, Grand Prairie, Alvarado, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area have experienced life-changing results at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics.

One patient shared: “THE BEST DENTAL OFFICE IN TOWN! Dr Jiyoung Jung is a very compassionate & caring Dentist! So with Ms Melissa her assistant. They’re d Best! My family been their patient since 2017! Thank you Central Park Dental!”

Another patient from out of state noted: “Indeed I am very jealous to Dallas to have her.”

These testimonials reflect Dr. Jung’s commitment to providing not just excellent technical dentistry, but compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses the whole person.

Understanding the Whole-Body Health Connection

Dr. Jung’s approach is grounded in the understanding that your mouth is the gateway to your overall health. The condition of your teeth, the structure of your face and jaw, and the function of your airway all have profound effects on your entire body.

When you address facial asymmetry and forward head posture from a comprehensive perspective, you’re not just improving your appearance or fixing dental problems. You’re supporting:

• Better breathing and oxygenation
• More restorative sleep
• Reduced pain and tension
• Improved cognitive function
• Better mood and mental health
• Stronger immune system
• Lower risk of serious diseases
• Enhanced quality of life

This whole-body perspective is what sets Central Park Dental & Orthodontics apart and why Dr. Jung was invited to speak at the Empowering Women and Girls to Thrive Summit at the United Nations in July 2024. Her work has been recognized because it truly changes lives, not just smiles.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

If you’re experiencing any of the signs discussed in this article—facial asymmetry, forward head posture, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, or breathing difficulties—don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early evaluation and intervention can prevent serious health problems and dramatically improve your quality of life.

Many people put off seeking help because they assume their symptoms are “just how they are” or that nothing can be done. The truth is that modern dentistry offers powerful tools to address these issues, and you don’t have to settle for poor sleep, chronic exhaustion, or declining health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Symmetry, Posture, and Airway Health

How can a dentist help with sleep apnea and breathing problems?

Dentists who have received specialized training in sleep and airway medicine, like Dr. Jung, are uniquely positioned to address these issues. Your dentist has detailed knowledge of oral and facial anatomy, understands how jaw position affects the airway, and can identify developmental issues that contribute to breathing problems. Dentists are the only healthcare providers qualified to provide oral appliance therapy, which is a highly effective treatment for many sleep apnea patients. Additionally, dental evaluation includes assessment of structures like the tongue, tonsils, and soft palate that directly affect airway function.

Is facial asymmetry always a sign of a health problem?

Not necessarily. Everyone has some degree of facial asymmetry, and minor variations are completely normal and don’t cause health issues. However, significant asymmetry often indicates structural imbalances or developmental problems that can affect breathing, jaw function, and overall health. During your evaluation, Dr. Jung will assess whether your specific situation warrants treatment or simply monitoring.

Can forward head posture really affect my breathing?

Absolutely. Forward head posture changes the position of your jaw and tongue, which can narrow your airway by 30% or more. It also affects the muscles involved in breathing and can contribute to mouth breathing instead of proper nasal breathing. Over time, these changes compound, leading to increasingly restricted airflow and potential sleep-disordered breathing.

What’s the difference between oral appliance therapy and a CPAP machine?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines use a mask worn over your nose and/or mouth that delivers pressurized air to keep your airway open. While very effective, many people find CPAP uncomfortable, noisy, and difficult to travel with. Oral appliances are small, comfortable devices worn in the mouth that work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to naturally keep the airway open. They’re silent, portable, and easier for many patients to use consistently. Some oral appliances, like those used by Dr. Jung, also promote actual airway development over time rather than just holding structures in position.

At what age should children be evaluated for airway and facial development issues?

Ideally, children should have an airway-focused dental evaluation by age three or four. This allows dentists to identify developing problems early when intervention can guide proper growth. However, it’s never too late to seek evaluation. If you notice signs like mouth breathing, snoring, or facial asymmetry in your child at any age, schedule an appointment for assessment.

How long does oral appliance therapy take to work?

Many patients notice improvements in sleep quality and daytime energy within the first few weeks of starting oral appliance therapy. However, the timeline varies depending on your specific condition and the type of appliance used. Some appliances work by simply holding your jaw in position and provide immediate improvement in airflow. Others, like Homeoblock and Vivos devices, promote gradual changes in your airway and facial structure over time. Dr. Jung will discuss what to expect based on your personalized treatment plan.

Will my insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?

Coverage for sleep apnea treatment varies by plan. Dr. Jung’s office works with dental insurance companies to help maximize your benefits. Our team will verify your coverage and discuss costs before beginning treatment so you have a clear understanding of your investment in better health.

Can adults benefit from treatment, or is it just for growing children?

Adults can absolutely benefit from treatment! While it’s true that intervention during childhood, when facial structures are still developing, offers optimal opportunities for guiding growth, adults can still experience significant improvements. Oral appliances can effectively manage sleep apnea in adults. Certain advanced appliances can even promote some beneficial changes in adult airway dimensions. Additionally, addressing bite issues, jaw dysfunction, and implementing myofunctional therapy can help adults breathe better and sleep more soundly.

What if I’m not sure whether I have sleep apnea?

Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it. If you’re experiencing symptoms like snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, or if you’ve noticed facial asymmetry or forward head posture, it’s worth getting evaluated. Dr. Jung can screen for sleep-disordered breathing during your dental examination and recommend further testing if needed. A formal diagnosis requires a sleep study, but your comprehensive dental evaluation is an excellent first step.

How is Dr. Jung’s approach different from other dentists?

Dr. Jung’s “Three Legs of the Healing Stool” philosophy addresses structural, chemical, and emotional balance rather than just treating isolated dental problems. She takes time to understand how your oral health affects your whole body and collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. Her extensive training in sleep medicine, airway development, and craniofacial structure, combined with advanced technology and a genuine commitment to patient wellness, allows her to address root causes of health issues rather than just symptoms. She’s not just fixing teeth—she’s helping patients achieve optimal health and quality of life.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring your insurance information, a list of any medications you’re taking, and information about any previous dental or medical treatments. If you have previous dental x-rays or records, bringing those can be helpful. Most importantly, come prepared to discuss your health concerns, symptoms, and goals. Dr. Jung wants to hear your story and understand what’s most important to you.

Is treatment painful?

Dr. Jung is known for her gentle, compassionate approach. She understands dental anxiety and takes every measure to ensure patient comfort. With Anesthesia Level 1 Permit, she can provide effective local anesthesia for comfortable procedures. Oral appliances are custom-fitted to be as comfortable as possible, and most patients adjust to wearing them quickly. Laser procedures are minimally invasive with less discomfort and faster healing than traditional surgery. Dr. Jung will discuss all pain management options and ensure you feel comfortable throughout your treatment.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Consultation Today

Your health is too important to ignore warning signs. If you’ve noticed facial asymmetry, forward head posture, or you’re struggling with sleep and breathing issues, take the first step toward better health today.

Call Central Park Dental & Orthodontics at 817-466-1200 to schedule your comprehensive wellness consultation. Dr. Jiyoung Jung and her caring team are ready to help you understand what’s happening in your body and create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Located at 1101 Alexis Court #101, Mansfield, TX 76063, we proudly serve patients throughout Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, Alvarado, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Midlothian, and surrounding communities.

Don’t let structural imbalances, poor breathing, and disrupted sleep continue stealing your health and vitality. With Dr. Jung’s comprehensive approach and advanced treatment options, you can achieve better breathing, more restorative sleep, and improved overall wellness.

Your journey to better health starts with a phone call. Contact us at 817-466-1200 or visit our website to schedule your appointment today.

Remember Dr. Jung’s motto: “Save Teeth. Save Lives.” Your teeth are the gateway to your wellbeing, and addressing facial asymmetry and airway health is about so much more than appearances—it’s about giving you the healthy, vibrant life you deserve.

Let us partner with you on your path to optimal health. We look forward to welcoming you into our dental family and helping you breathe easier, sleep better, and feel your best.

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Dr. Jiyoung Jung is a Fellowship member of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction achieved by only 6% of dentists nationwide. She is a member of The American Academy for Oral and Systemic Health and has received specialized training in sleep medicine, TMJ disorders, and craniofacial development. Her commitment to advancing whole-body wellness through comprehensive dental care has earned recognition from D Magazine’s Best Dentists (2021-2025), invitations to speak at TEDx and the United Nations, and features on major media networks.