Dr. Lisa Popp, originally from Dorchester, Ontario now resides in London with her husband and three children. She graduated with distinction from the University of Western Ontario with a HBSc – Genetics (1993) and Doctor of Dental Surgery (1997).

Dr. Lisa previously owned two practices in rural southwestern Ontario. She has now chosen to join Hyland Dental Centre in order to share her passion for paediatric airway and functional dentistry with the community of London.

Dr. Lisa is an avid life-long learner. Setting out on a mission to discover and address the root causes of dental disease (cavities, gum disease, crowded teeth) and their associated systemic consequences, rather than just continue to treat the symptoms, lead her to obtain a series of certifications in the areas of : functional medicine, functional and nutritional genomics, holistic nutrition, myofunctional therapy, Buteyko breathing, paediatric dental sleep medicine, tongue and lip tie release, postural orthodontics, Invisalign and paediatric airway dentistry. She is a certified provider of Myobrace, MyoMunchee, Healthy Start and Invisalign.

Dr. Lisa is now focusing her practice on paediatric airway and functional dentistry. She has developed a trademarked treatment philosophy “Grow With Myodontics” which seeks to address the underlying root causes of oral, airway and sleep health issues in children.

Dr. Lisa is a member of the ODA, RCDSO, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, American Academy of Physiologic Medicine and Dentistry, World Dentofacial Sleep Society, ASAP Pathways and Airway Circle.

In her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, travel and spending time with her family.

Airway-focused or “functional” orthodontics prioritizes the holistic development of the jaws, teeth, and oral muscles to ensure the airway grows and functions optimally. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of craniofacial structures and how their development impacts breathing and overall health. In children, an underdeveloped airway can result in conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing (including snoring and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea), which can affect their quality of sleep, behavior, and cognitive development. Additionally, these issues may lead to compensatory myofunctional patterns, such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or improper swallowing, which can further impact dental alignment, facial growth, and even posture. Addressing these concerns early through functional orthodontics can help prevent long-term health complications and support overall well-being.

Traditional orthodontics is highly effective for repositioning teeth and aligning the jaws but often overlooks the underlying muscular imbalances and root causes that contribute to misalignment. In contrast, airway orthodontics not only adjusts the teeth and promotes jaw development but also retrains the oral and facial muscles to support and maintain this growth. This comprehensive approach fosters improved long-term function and stability.

To determine if airway orthodontics is suitable, a detailed assessment is conducted, which includes evaluating tooth alignment, jaw development, airway health, muscle function, and breathing patterns. This process involves creating detailed models of your child’s mouth and utilizing advanced imaging techniques, such as a CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scan, to provide a complete view of the airway and surrounding structures. Based on these findings, we develop a personalized treatment plan to address your child’s specific needs effectively.

Airway orthodontics offers a range of appliances tailored to address individual needs. These include fixed or removable devices such as Hyrax and Schwarz appliances, the Myobrace® system, and ALF (Advanced Light Force) appliances. The choice of appliance depends on the specific requirements of the child’s airway and craniofacial development.

To maximize the effectiveness of treatment, myofunctional therapy is often recommended alongside orthodontic interventions. This therapy helps retrain the oral muscles, ensuring proper function and support for long-term results. Additionally, screening for oral ties, such as tongue or lip ties, is crucial as these can impact oral and airway function. Depending on the child’s needs, consultation with an ENT specialist or sleep physician may also be advised to address any related breathing or sleep concerns comprehensively