The Connection Between Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. As a result, your brain and body may not get enough oxygen. Sleep apnea can cause snoring and other symptoms that leave you and your partner tired.

With sleep apnea, a person’s airways are always blocked during sleep, preventing him or her from breathing normally throughout the night. This can cause loud snoring or even pauses in breathing for seconds at a time. These interruptions in breath can happen hundreds of times each night. This type of sleeping disorder is extremely dangerous because it can interfere with sleep quality and lead to other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, depression, and even high blood pressure. An orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea in patients by recommending an oral appliance that repositions the jaw or tongue to allow for better breathing. The oral appliance can be custom-made by an orthodontic lab to fit the patient’s mouth perfectly to prevent them from shifting to their side when sleeping on the bed.

How Are Sleep Apnea and Orthodontics Connected?

Our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, can create a custom oral appliance to address your sleep apnea symptoms. This can help treat your sleep apnea while also correcting your smile. This win-win situation provides relief for your sleep disorder and gives your teeth the proper support they need to straighten properly.

Many patients struggle with snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea but may not realize that these issues can be related to orthodontic problems. Snoring and sleep apnea are related because crooked or missing teeth can cause the airway to become blocked while sleeping. This obstruction can lead to breathing issues during sleep, such as loud snoring, gasping for air, or interruptions in your breathing patterns.

In this way, orthodontics and sleep medicine can work hand-in-hand to provide better results than either treatment alone. By addressing both issues at the same time, patients can enjoy a healthier mouth and a more comfortable night’s sleep.

What Can You Do About It?

There are a number of things you can do if you’re suffering from sleep apnea, including making dietary changes, avoiding alcohol before bed, and taking certain sleep aids. However, you should also consult with your dentist or a sleep specialist about what your treatment options are. If you suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea, you may be able to use an oral appliance or retainer as an alternative to CPAP therapy. These devices work by shifting the jaw forward during sleep to help keep airways open, allowing you to breathe normally throughout the night. 

Contact our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, and orthodontist in Stevensville, MT, at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870. You can call (406) 363-2200 to learn more.