- Orthodontic treatments like braces and expanders can help reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.
- It works for people whose breathing problems are linked to jaw alignment or dental crowding.
- While not a cure, these treatments may support overall sleep health as part of a collaborative treatment plan.
Many people know that braces can straighten teeth, but fewer realize that orthodontic treatment may also support better breathing. If you or your child struggles with sleep apnea, certain orthodontic solutions may offer relief.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where your airway becomes partially or completely blocked while you sleep. That causes frequent interruptions in breathing. While weight and soft tissue enlargement are common causes, dental and jaw structure also play a significant role.
When someone has a small or narrow jaw, crooked teeth, or a bite misalignment, it can reduce space in the upper airway. This makes it more likely for the airway to collapse during sleep.
Orthodontic solutions like braces, palatal expanders, or jaw positioning appliances can help adjust these structures to open the airway. Treating the cause can ease symptoms such as snoring and daytime fatigue. In some cases, it can also reduce dependence on devices like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine).
Common Causes
It is often a consequence of multiple contributing factors, for example:
- Receded or misaligned jaws
- Narrow palate or arch
- Dental crowding
- Obesity
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Some examples of symptoms to watch for are:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Episodes of gasping or choking during sleep
- Sleep disorders like insomnia
- Excessive tiredness during the day
- Morning headaches
The Connection Between Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea
Orthodontists are increasingly recognized for their role in spotting structural causes of OSA. They can detect physical traits, like a small lower jaw or high palate, that affect airway space.
Using digital scans and 3D imaging, orthodontists can assess airway width to identify potential causes.
In children, orthodontic care can be especially powerful because their facial bones are still growing. Early intervention, using expanders or functional appliances, can help the jaws open the airway.
Braces
Braces are commonly used to align the teeth, but can they help with sleep apnea? When treatment corrects a bite or widens the upper arch, it can give the tongue more room and improve nasal breathing. These changes may help reduce the risk of airway blockages.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, can correct teeth alignment and improve bite function. In certain cases, they can support airway improvement by repositioning the jaw or reducing dental crowding.
Airway-Focused Orthodontics
This approach targets more than just tooth position; it’s about designing treatment around improving airway size and function. Airway-focused orthodontics might include arch expansion, jaw advancement, and other strategies aimed at long-term breathing improvement.
One example is SomnoDent oral appliances, custom-made devices designed to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They work by repositioning the lower jaw forward during sleep. At Image Orthodontics, we use them to treat cases of sleep apnea.
Palatal Expanders and Growth Appliances
Sleep Apnea in Children
Sleep apnea isn’t just an adult condition; it can also affect children, often going undiagnosed. Pediatric sleep apnea occurs when a child’s breathing is partially or completely blocked during sleep. This is commonly due to airway obstruction.
One of the lesser-known contributors to childhood sleep apnea is improper jaw development or dental alignment. When a child’s upper or lower jaw is too narrow or positioned improperly, it can make it harder to breathe at night. This is where orthodontic treatment comes into play.
Braces can be highly effective in addressing the root causes of pediatric sleep apnea. Early orthodontic intervention can help create a more open airway.
If your child snores, struggles with sleep, or shows signs of sleep-disordered breathing, it’s essential to seek professional guidance.
If not treated, sleep apnea may produce:
- ADD/ADHD
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Upper respiratory infections
- Ear infections
- Ear Tubes
- Bed-wetting
- Nightmares/Night terrors
- Poor academic performance
- Hyperactivity
- Aggressive behavior
- Clenching/grinding teeth
- Restless sleep/wakes often
At Image Orthodontics, our team specializes in identifying orthodontic issues linked to airway obstruction and sleep apnea. We’ll work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment to help your child sleep better and thrive. Contact us today!
Airway Orthodontics: What Is It?
Airway orthodontics is a growing field. It looks at how the jaws, palate, and dental arches develop. This development can affect breathing, especially during sleep.
It looks at the bigger picture: how the structure of the mouth and face influences the airway. A narrow upper jaw, recessed lower jaw, or high palate can restrict the airway, making it harder to breathe through the nose. This often leads to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, and even obstructive sleep apnea. These issues can affect children and adults alike.
The importance of airway orthodontics lies in its whole-body impact. Proper nasal breathing supports better oxygenation, sleep quality, concentration, mood, and even facial development. Airway orthodontic treatment often involves expanding the palate, guiding jaw growth, and correcting certain oral habits.
Airway orthodontics can lead to lasting improvements in sleep, health, and quality of life.
At Image Orthodontics, we specialize in airway orthodontics and are committed to helping achieve healthier breathing.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in San Francisco
We create personalized treatment plans to address both your smile and your sleep. Our goal is to support patients of all ages with solutions that fit their needs to help improve their quality of life.
We offer sleep apnea treatments for children and adults through SomnoDent Oral Appliances. Our sleep apnea treatment plans consist of several options for early orthodontic treatment. Those include non-surgical and non-invasive mouth expansion, straightening, and correcting overcrowded teeth.
Image Orthodontics also offers these services in surrounding areas, including Mission, Pacific Heights, South San Francisco or Post Street.
Check here for the location nearest to you!
Benefits of Orthodontics for Sleep Apnea
- It may help improve breathing through the nose
- Reduces nighttime airway obstruction
- Can minimize or eliminate snoring
- May reduce reliance on CPAP
- May support long-term sleep and breathing health
Conclusion
Schedule a consultation with us to explore how orthodontic care might help you breathe, and sleep better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can braces help with sleep apnea?
Does Insurance Cover Sleep Apnea Orthodontic Treatments?
Can braces affect your sleep?
Can Tooth Extraction Cause Sleep Apnea?
