What is Sleep Apnea?
As a potentially serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, sleep apnea can have a heavy impact on your daily energy and overall health if ignored. CPAP machines are a common solution for this disorder, but orthodontic treatment is quickly emerging as an additional option. There are two main types of sleep apnea – known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common variation, where the airway becomes physically blocked numerous times during sleep due to things like jaw structure or dental irregularities.
If you’re a patient seeking relief from sleep apnea and are interested in the potential benefits from orthodontic help, SKS Orthodontics is prepared to help you get started on the path to treatment.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Skeletal Structure
Before establishing a treatment plan, one of our friendly specialists will consult with you and examine your jaw/teeth. Things addressed during the examination may include dental and skeletal irregularities, malocclusion (misaligned teeth/bites), teeth crowding, and any sort of jaw discrepancies. Irregularities in the structure of your jaw can absolutely contribute to sleep apnea and make it worse. For example, if teeth are overcrowded or misaligned, it can affect the way your tongue sits in your mouth while sleeping, in turn obstructing your ability to breathe evenly. Thankfully, with custom fit braces or aligners to improve your bite and teeth alignment, symptoms can decrease and sleep quality will vastly improve.
How Can Braces and Aligners Help With Sleep Apnea Management?
Sleep apnea can develop at any point in your life, and can cause serious consequences if not treated. It’s important to note that braces and aligners should be used in tandem with the counsel and medication from your physician. Your doctor may also recommend other solutions such as soft tissue surgeries on the tonsils, adenoids, and tongue depending on the severity.
Devices like palate expanders can be worn for extended periods of time to assist with widening the upper jaw and increasing space for the tongue, allowing for easier breathing. Mandibular advancement devices (mouthpieces) can also be used or prescribed along with braces to reposition the jaw during sleep, which helps to keep the airway open. Before braces are placed on, our team can also assess the need for jaw surgery and recommend an oral surgeon if needed.
Find a Solution Today
At SKS Orthodontics, we can help you craft your unique treatment plan to aid with conditions like sleep apnea. Schedule a free consultation with us today, or give us a call at 315-458-0020 with any questions. Let us help you take the first steps towards your orthodontic transformation!
