Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, disrupting sleep and potentially leading to a host of other health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and daytime fatigue. While sleep apnea is often associated with lifestyle factors such as weight, there’s another contributing factor that many people overlook: jaw and bite misalignment. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea and improve sleep quality.
If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea, you might be surprised to learn that orthodontics can play a key role in treatment. In this post, we’ll explore how orthodontic care can help with sleep apnea and why seeking treatment from a skilled orthodontist like D’Ascoli Orthodontics in Reno, NV, Carson City, NV, South Lake Tahoe, CA, Gardnerville, NV, Incline Village, NV, and Fernley, NV, might be the next step toward better sleep and overall health.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Before diving into how orthodontics can help, it’s important to understand what sleep apnea is and how it affects the body. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by a blockage or collapse of the airway due to relaxed throat muscles.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Orthodontics primarily addresses obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the type that is often linked to jaw and bite alignment issues.
How Does Orthodontics Help with Sleep Apnea?
When it comes to obstructive sleep apnea, the airway can become blocked by the tongue, soft palate, or other tissues in the mouth and throat, especially during sleep. In many cases, the positioning of the jaw or teeth can exacerbate this obstruction. Here’s how orthodontic treatment can help:
1. Realigning the Jaw to Improve Airflow
For many individuals with OSA, the position of their upper and lower jaws can contribute to airway narrowing. When the jaws don’t align properly (a condition known as malocclusion), it can push the tongue back into the throat, blocking airflow. Orthodontic treatment, including braces or clear aligners, can realign the jaw to improve airflow, making it easier to breathe while sleeping.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, correcting the bite through orthodontic treatment may significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms. By repositioning the jaw and teeth, orthodontics helps open the airway and prevent the airway collapse that causes snoring and pauses in breathing.
2. Expanding the Upper Jaw
In some cases, a narrow upper jaw can restrict the airway, leading to sleep apnea. Orthodontic appliances such as palatal expanders can widen the upper jaw, creating more space for the tongue and improving airflow. This process can be particularly helpful for younger patients or those with skeletal jaw issues that contribute to airway blockages.
Palatal expanders are typically used in growing patients, but adults may also benefit from expansion techniques to improve breathing and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
3. Use of Oral Appliances to Promote Better Breathing
Orthodontic treatments don’t just include traditional braces and aligners; orthodontists can also provide oral appliances specifically designed to treat sleep apnea. These appliances, sometimes called mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are worn at night to reposition the jaw and tongue. The device works by slightly advancing the lower jaw, which opens up the airway and prevents the tongue from falling back into the throat.
Oral appliances are often recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnea cases and are considered an alternative to CPAP machines. Many patients find them more comfortable and easier to use than a CPAP, leading to improved compliance with treatment.
4. Addressing TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Issues
In some cases, individuals with sleep apnea also experience TMJ disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening the mouth. TMJ issues are often related to poor bite alignment, which can exacerbate airway problems during sleep.
Orthodontic treatment can help address TMJ symptoms by realigning the jaw and teeth, reducing pressure on the temporomandibular joint, and improving overall jaw function. This can not only help alleviate jaw pain but also reduce sleep apnea symptoms by ensuring that the airway remains clear.
The Benefits of Orthodontics for Sleep Apnea
Orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea offers a number of benefits over traditional treatments, especially for those who suffer from mild to moderate OSA. Here are some key advantages:
- Non-invasive: Orthodontic treatments such as braces, clear aligners, or oral appliances offer a non-surgical approach to improving sleep apnea symptoms.
- Improved quality of life: By addressing the underlying causes of sleep apnea, orthodontics can help improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and enhance overall health and well-being.
- Fewer side effects: Unlike CPAP machines, which can cause discomfort and dryness, orthodontic treatments have fewer side effects, making them a more comfortable option for many patients.
- Long-term results: Once orthodontic treatment is completed, many patients experience long-term relief from sleep apnea symptoms, especially when combined with the use of oral appliances.
When Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are seeking alternative or complementary treatments to CPAP therapy, orthodontic treatment could be an option. Speak with an orthodontist who specializes in sleep apnea to determine if orthodontics might be able to help you. The best candidates for orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea are those with:
- Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Jaw or bite misalignments that contribute to airway obstruction
- TMJ pain or other jaw-related issues
- A preference for non-invasive treatment options
Contact D’Ascoli Orthodontics Today and Start Your Path to Better Sleep
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea and are looking for a solution, D’Ascoli Orthodontics can help. Our team of experienced orthodontists specializes in treatments that improve both dental and airway health. Whether you’re in Reno, NV, Carson City, NV, South Lake Tahoe, CA, Gardnerville, NV, Incline Village, NV, or Fernley, NV, we offer personalized orthodontic care to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
