Dr. Vince Napoli
Board-Certified Orthodontist
At Napoli Orthodontics, we believe orthodontics is about more than just straight teeth.
A beautiful smile matters, but so does the foundation behind it. That means looking at how the jaws grow, how the palate develops, how a child breathes, sleeps, swallows, and functions.
Our practice is built around evidence-based orthodontics, thoughtful diagnosis, and educating families on the “why” behind treatment. This page is a research library for patients who want to better understand topics like airway health, palatal expansion, tonsils and adenoids, tongue posture, sleep quality, facial growth, and more.
Because at Napoli Orthodontics, we are not just moving teeth. We are building smiles on a healthier generation.
— Dr. Vince Napoli
Showing all 19 studies
A review of how guiding jaw and facial growth early can ease sleep-disordered breathing in children — and why orthodontists, ENTs, and sleep physicians achieve better results working as a team.
Widening a child’s palate not only made more room in the mouth but was associated with smaller adenoids and tonsils — two of the most common contributors to snoring and disrupted sleep.
A detailed look at how the size and shape of a child’s jaw, nasal passages, and airway contribute to sleep-disordered breathing — helping clinicians spot who needs more than tonsil removal.
Children who breathe through the mouth, have limited tongue mobility, or enlarged tonsils were notably more likely to grind their teeth at night — tying nighttime grinding to airway function.
Researchers built a quick six-item screening tool to flag children at risk for sleep-disordered breathing during the years when baby and adult teeth overlap — enabling earlier, gentler treatment.
A landmark review showing that widening a narrow upper jaw does more than straighten teeth — it can improve nasal breathing, reduce mouth breathing, and benefit sleep and overall health.
Documents measurable gains in nasal airflow after palatal expansion, reinforcing the rationale for using orthodontic expansion as part of a breathing-focused treatment plan.
Reviews the evidence for using palatal expansion to treat obstructive sleep apnea in children, finding it reduces airway obstruction and can meaningfully ease symptoms — sometimes avoiding surgery.
Pooling data across studies, this meta-analysis confirms expansion consistently reduces apnea severity in children, and suggests it as a first-line option when a narrow palate is involved.
Examines how traditional tooth-anchored expansion affects nasal airway dimensions, showing it produces real, measurable increases in the space available for nasal breathing.
A companion study measuring actual airflow after expansion — patients showed significant improvements in nasal breathing capacity, underscoring expansion as an airway intervention.
A randomized trial comparing traditional and hybrid bone-anchored expanders over a year — bone-anchored designs produced more skeletal widening with less unwanted tooth tipping.
Focuses on the internal nasal valve — a key chokepoint for airflow — and shows expansion increases its cross-sectional area, directly reducing nasal congestion and obstruction in children.
A direct comparison of mini-screw assisted expansion and traditional tooth-borne expanders. MARPE produced greater airway improvement by opening the skeletal suture more fully.
One of the strongest studies supporting MARPE for adults with sleep apnea — participants showed reduced apnea severity and meaningful gains in sleep, daytime energy, and quality of life.
Compares 3D-printed custom MARPE devices against conventional ones, finding both effective while custom-designed expanders offer a better fit — a look at how digital tools improve appliance precision.
A meta-analysis finding jaw-advancement surgery is among the most effective surgical treatments for sleep apnea, with high success rates even for patients who did not respond to CPAP.
Examines whether the benefits of jaw-advancement surgery last — patients maintained significant reductions in apnea severity years later, supporting it as a durable solution for the right candidates.
Targeted exercises for the tongue, throat, and oral muscles reduced apnea severity by roughly half in adults and more in children — establishing myofunctional therapy as an evidence-based adjunct to care.
This research informs the treatments Dr. Napoli offers and how he approaches care for every patient. If you're curious whether any of these findings apply to your situation, a consultation is the best place to start.
Book a ConsultationGain more confidence and start your smile transformation with a complimentary Smile & Airway Analysis at Napoli Orthodontics. Fill out this form, and we'll help you schedule your visit to our Stuart office.
By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from Napoli Orthodontics. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP to get help or STOP to unsubscribe.
(772) 287-3999
Our Location