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What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, often due to relaxed throat muscles or the position of the jaw and tongue.
People with sleep apnea may snore loudly, gasp for air, or wake frequently—though many don’t realize it’s happening. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Fatigue and poor concentration
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Weight gain
- Mood disorders
- Increased risk of accidents
While sleep apnea is typically treated with CPAP machines or oral appliances, orthodontic treatment—especially in children, teens, and some adults—can offer long‑term structural improvements that reduce or eliminate symptoms.
How Are Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea Connected?
The connection between orthodontics and sleep apnea comes down to airway structure. Your jaw position, bite alignment, and dental arch development can all influence how much space is available for air to pass freely through your throat while you sleep.
If the airway is too narrow or crowded due to misaligned teeth or a recessed jaw, the likelihood of obstruction increases. In some cases, orthodontic issues may even be the root cause of sleep apnea or other breathing disorders during sleep.
By using braces or other orthodontic appliances to guide the development or repositioning of the jaw and teeth, it’s possible to:
- Expand the airway
- Improve tongue posture
- Encourage proper jaw alignment
- Reduce or eliminate nighttime obstruction
Who Can Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
Not every case of sleep apnea can be corrected with orthodontics, but for many patients—especially children and teens—braces can be a valuable tool in prevention and treatment.
Children and Teens
For younger patients, early orthodontic treatment may actually prevent sleep apnea from developing in the first place. Palatal expanders, braces, or functional appliances can:
- Widen a narrow palate
- Create more space in the mouth for the tongue
- Encourage forward growth of the jaw
- Promote proper breathing through the nose
If a child snores, breathes through their mouth, or struggles with attention during the day, a screening by an orthodontist may uncover early signs of airway restriction.
Adults
In adults, the bones have stopped growing, but orthodontic treatment can still play a role—especially when combined with other therapies. Braces or aligners may:
- Correct a deep bite or overbite that contributes to obstruction
- Improve the position of the lower jaw
- Enhance the effectiveness of other sleep apnea treatments (like oral appliances)
In more severe adult cases, orthodontic treatment may be part of a broader approach that includes CPAP or surgery, but it can still improve symptoms and quality of sleep.
Can Braces Really Help with Sleep Apnea?
Yes—braces can contribute to better sleep when sleep apnea is linked to structural issues in the mouth or jaw. Here’s how:
- Jaw repositioning — Orthodontic treatment can move the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway.
- Palatal expansion — Widening the upper jaw creates more room for airflow and nasal breathing.
- Correcting overbite or underbite — Improving bite alignment helps reduce strain on soft tissues during sleep.
- Creating space for the tongue — Prevents the tongue from falling backward and blocking the airway.
Keep in mind, orthodontic care is most effective for sleep apnea when treatment is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, age, and specific diagnosis.
Symptoms That May Point to Sleep Apnea
Not sure if you or your child might be dealing with sleep apnea? Here are some signs to watch for:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping, choking, or snorting during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Trouble staying asleep or waking frequently
If you notice these signs, a sleep study or consultation with a sleep specialist is often the first step. From there, your orthodontist can determine whether treatment might help.
When to Consider an Orthodontic Evaluation
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea—or if you’ve already received a diagnosis—it’s worth exploring whether orthodontic treatment could be part of your solution.
An orthodontic evaluation is especially important if:
- There is a history of mouth breathing, snoring, or grinding
- A pediatrician or sleep specialist has mentioned airway concerns
- There are noticeable bite or jaw alignment issues
- CPAP or oral appliances aren’t well tolerated or fully effective
Early intervention can make a big difference, particularly for younger patients whose jaws are still developing.
How Treatment Works: What to Expect
Orthodontic care for sleep‑related concerns begins with a detailed exam that may include 3D imaging, photos, and a review of your sleep and medical history. From there, your orthodontist will determine whether:
- Orthodontics alone can address the problem
- Treatment should be combined with medical therapies
- A referral to a sleep specialist is needed
If braces or expanders are recommended, your treatment will be tailored to support both dental alignment and airway health.
For adults, aligners or braces can be combined with other therapies to support jaw positioning and stability over time.
Better Sleep Starts with the Right Support in Ogden
If sleep apnea is disrupting your rest—or your child is showing early signs of airway issues—orthodontic care may be part of the solution. At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to smile and airway health.
Our Ogden team has experience evaluating how jaw development and bite alignment impact sleep, and we work closely with patients of all ages to create treatment plans that prioritize long‑term health and wellness.
Ready to breathe easier and sleep better? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, better‑rested you.