Did you know orthodontics can treat orthodontic causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and snoring? At Damon Orthodontics, we understand the impact of sleep disorders on your quality of life. This blog post will explore how orthodontics can help alleviate sleep apnea and snoring in adults, improving sleep and overall well-being.

Understanding Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing pauses during sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds to a minute and may occur multiple times throughout the night. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea caused by vibrating tissues in the airway.

Did you know that OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea? It affects many adults, and various factors can cause it. Some common causes include obesity, naturally narrow airways, nasal congestion, and having a wide neck circumference.

Orthodontic issues can also contribute to the narrowing of airways, leading to sleep apnea. Other factors, such as craniofacial structure, malocclusion, and palatal morphology, have also been linked to OSA. Interestingly, even dental arch issues and tooth misalignment can impact your breathing while you sleep.

The Connection Between Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea

Orthodontics can be crucial in treating sleep apnea by addressing the condition's underlying causes. Here's how:

Correcting Jaw Misalignment

Jaw misalignment can contribute to sleep apnea and snoring by obstructing the airway. By using orthodontic appliances such as braces or aligners, we can correct the alignment of the jaw and improve airflow, reducing the occurrence of sleep apnea episodes and snoring.

Expanding the Palate

A narrow palate can also contribute to sleep apnea and snoring. Orthodontic treatments, such as palatal expanders, can widen the upper jaw, creating more space for the tongue and improving airflow. This can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.

Further Improve the Airway

In addition to correcting jaw misalignment and expanding the palate, orthodontics can address crowded or misaligned teeth, and orthodontic treatments can help create a straighter and more aligned dental arch. This can improve the overall function of the airway, allowing for better airflow during sleep.

Other Benefits From Orthodontic Treatment

Furthermore, orthodontic treatments can also optimize the positioning of the tongue and lips, which can further improve breathing patterns during sleep. Aligning the teeth and jaws prevents the collapse of the airway, reducing the severity of sleep apnea episodes. It's important to note that orthodontic treatment alone may not completely resolve sleep apnea.

However, in combination with other treatment modalities, such as CPAP therapy or oral appliances, orthodontics can significantly improve the effectiveness of these treatments. Addressing the causes of OSA is crucial in reducing the potential health risks of untreated sleep apnea.

Choosing Damon Orthodontics for Sleep Apnea Treatment

Damon Orthodontics is at the forefront of providing effective orthodontic solutions for sleep apnea and snoring. Our team of skilled orthodontists will thoroughly evaluate the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs. With our advanced orthodontic techniques and personalized approach, we can help you achieve better sleep and improved overall health.

Final Thoughts

Orthodontics offers a holistic approach to treating sleep apnea by addressing the condition's underlying causes. At Damon Orthodontics, we provide the finest quality orthodontic treatment in a friendly and caring environment. If you or a loved one struggles with sleep apnea or snoring, contact us today and ask questions about adult orthodontics in Spokane.