The Breathe Institute

The Breathe Institute TBI is the global pioneer in airway support sleep and breathing related healthcare and education. We

Our vision is to offer whole health, for the whole family by integrating dental and medical healthcare under one roof. Our multidisciplinary center for precision diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of nasal obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and breathing disorders is at the forefront of airway management.

We are proud to share the publication of “Morphology of the Labial Frenum by Age-Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Study” in the...
02/25/2026

We are proud to share the publication of “Morphology of the Labial Frenum by Age-Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Study” in the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

This work provides one of the most detailed age-stratified pediatric datasets on labial frenum morphology to date. In a prospective cross-sectional cohort of 1,068 patients, we evaluated developmental changes in maxillary and mandibular labial frena (the tissue connecting the lip to the gums) and examined how frenum phenotype and palpable tension relate to midline diastema (spacing between the front teeth). The maxillary frenum demonstrated predictable apical migration and reduction in tension, most prominently between ages 3–6, while the mandibular frenum remained largely stable. Papillary-penetrating maxillary frena with persistent tension were independently associated with higher odds of diastema, supporting function- and symptom-guided management rather than appearance-based decisions.

Grateful to our co-authors for their rigor, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the science.

Happy 60th Birthday, Kim 🎉 🎂  If you’ve ever had a question about a course, needed guidance on next steps, or just weren...
02/24/2026

Happy 60th Birthday, Kim 🎉 🎂

If you’ve ever had a question about a course, needed guidance on next steps, or just weren’t sure where to start, chances are Kim was the one who helped you. She connects, informs, follows through, and makes sure no one falls through the cracks.

Her commitment to our work family, and to everyone who reaches out to learn with us is steady and genuine. She shows up fully, gives her all, and is someone you can always depend on.

Kim, we are so grateful for you and the care you bring to everything you do. Here’s to celebrating 60 years and all the lives you continue to impact. 💙

Ankyloglossia has long been described as simply a “tight frenulum.” That definition is incomplete.In our 2025 publicatio...
02/23/2026

Ankyloglossia has long been described as simply a “tight frenulum.” That definition is incomplete.

In our 2025 publication, we define ankyloglossia as restricted tongue mobility caused by tethered oral tissues that contributes to broader orofacial myofunctional dysfunction.

This shift matters.

Tongue restriction is not just structural. It interacts with breathing, swallowing, speech, craniofacial growth, posture, and neuromuscular compensation. When we define the condition correctly, we diagnose and treat it more precisely.

Our updated definition reflects a whole-system, airway-centered model grounded in functional assessment, therapy integration, and refined surgical technique when indicated.

Read the full study to understand how this evolution changes clinical care.

https://www.mdpi.com/2694-2526/51/2/11

TheBreatheInstitute.com | ZaghiMD.com

Visual anatomy alone does not predict how the tongue performs under load or during sleep.This is why we prioritize mobil...
02/16/2026

Visual anatomy alone does not predict how the tongue performs under load or during sleep.

This is why we prioritize mobility, endurance, coordination, and resting posture when assessing function.

Function tells the real story.

Share this with a provider who still relies on appearance alone.

Happy Birthday, Sanda.  One of the original forces behind The Breathe Institute and a driving leader of our Orofacial My...
02/12/2026

Happy Birthday, Sanda.

One of the original forces behind The Breathe Institute and a driving leader of our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy department, you’ve helped define the standard of care in this field. Your lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and clinical integrity continues to raise the bar for our team and the patients we serve.

We’re deeply grateful for your leadership and the impact you’ve made—within our institute and across the profession.

02/09/2026

Honored to present alongside incredible colleagues at the American Laser Study Club in Las Vegas.

Our team at The Breathe Institute shared recent advances in research, clinical protocols, and systems-based thinking, focusing on how we reduce variability and build more predictable outcomes in airway and laser-assisted care.

Grateful for the invitation, the thoughtful conversations, and the chance to connect with peers who care deeply about moving the field forward. Science, collaboration, and a lot of meaningful moments in one place.








Breathing should be quiet, efficient, and effortless. When a child’s airway is compromised, the body often compensates b...
02/03/2026

Breathing should be quiet, efficient, and effortless. When a child’s airway is compromised, the body often compensates by recruiting extra muscles just to move air in and out.

Persistent airway resistance has been linked to challenges with sleep quality, attention, behavior, growth, and overall development. The earlier these patterns are recognized, the greater the opportunity to support healthy airway function and long-term well-being.

Awareness leads to earlier evaluation, and early intervention can be truly life-changing.

Belated birthday shoutout to Sam 🎉One of our newest medical assistants and already making a real impact.Sam has been sup...
01/29/2026

Belated birthday shoutout to Sam 🎉
One of our newest medical assistants and already making a real impact.

Sam has been supporting both the clinic and research with a level of curiosity, reliability, and follow-through that truly stands out. It’s clear he brings intention and thoughtfulness into everything he does.

We’re also grateful to the Halum family and to Dr. Kurt Halum, one of our Breathe affiliates, for raising such curious, capable humans. That foundation shows.

When the airway is compromised, the effects don’t always show up where you expect.Sleep, behavior, focus, mood, growth, ...
01/23/2026

When the airway is compromised, the effects don’t always show up where you expect.

Sleep, behavior, focus, mood, growth, and overall health are deeply connected to how we breathe—especially during sleep. What may look like isolated symptoms are often branches of the same root: a compromised airway.

The key is recognizing the red flags early and addressing the why, not just the symptoms. And remember—it’s never too early or too late to improve airway health.

Awareness leads to action. Action leads to better breathing, better sleep, and better quality of life.

Learn more and schedule a consultation at
👉 www.thebreatheinstitute.com

01/21/2026

Signs in the face, mouth, and posture can point to a compromised airway and disrupted breathing during sleep.
—often affecting both children and adults.

When the airway is compromised, it may impact energy, focus, growth, and overall health.

Learn what to look for and when to seek care.
Visit www.breatheinstitute.com to schedule a consultation today.

Address

10921 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 912
Los Angeles, CA
90024

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13105799710

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Where Goodness, Meets Wellness

The Breathe Institute is a global pioneer in airway support, sleep and breathing related healthcare, research, and education. We help great providers offer whole health for the whole family. Our team is focussed on the precision diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of nasal obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, breathing disorders, and its multidisciplinary approach is at the forefront of airway management. The Breathe Institute is proud to be advancing the standards of care through top-tier clinical education programs, pathfinding research endeavors, and most importantly, superior patient care.