Sleep Apnea and Orthodontics: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?

Good quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Not getting enough sleep, specifically not getting enough REM sleep, can have serious consequences for your body and affect your concentration, thinking, and mood. Being able to breathe properly while sleeping is critical to getting a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, many adults and children have difficulty with this. Sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of sleep disruption, affecting over 30 million Americans.

Sleep apnea has a significant impact on breathing during sleep for those who suffer from it. This is due to excessive relaxation of the soft tissues and muscles in the throat, resulting in airway obstruction. When it comes to treatment, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether orthodontics can help. Vital Dentist in Dwarka Sector 6, is a one-stop destination for all these questions.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that is characterised by irregular breathing while sleeping. It is estimated that over 18 million adults in the United States alone suffer from sleep apnea, with many more cases likely to go undiagnosed. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment is emerging as a promising alternative or complementary option for some patients.

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can also lead to job impairment, work-related accidents, and car accidents, as well as academic underachievement in children and adolescents.

Among the symptoms of sleep apnea are:

• Breathing pauses while sleeping
• While sleeping, you may be gasping or choking for air.
• Snoring that is loud and/or occurs frequently
• Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently) (trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently)
• Daytime fatigue, mood swings, and irritability

Sleep apnea can cause a variety of health complications, including

Sleep apnea not only causes decreased oxygen levels, but it can also lead to:

• Prolonged exhaustion
• Headaches
• Depression Caused by Weight Gain
• Strokes caused by high blood pressure

The Relationship Between Orthodontic Issues And Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle and neurological problems. Certain orthodontic issues can also play a significant role. This sleep disorder can be caused by tooth or jaw misalignment, a narrow palate, or other issues. When your sleep apnea is caused by an oral or jaw problem, your orthodontist may be able to help relieve your symptoms. They will determine the best orthodontic treatment for your sleep apnea and will fit you with the appropriate device. Orthodontics can be used to correct bite configuration, jaw formation and alignment, and other orthodontic issues.

A sleep specialist or ENT will be the one to definitively/properly diagnose sleep apnea. However, orthodontists have the expertise in facial growth and development that allows them to identify and treat sleep-related breathing disorders in patients of all ages. They are also taught how to guide the development of various facial structures in children.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea can be a serious sleep disorder that can negatively impact a person's health and quality of life. While CPAP therapy is the most common treatment, orthodontic treatment is emerging as a promising alternative or complementary option for some patients. Orthodontists can identify and treat sleep-related breathing disorders in patients of all ages by correcting bite configuration, jaw formation and alignment, and other orthodontic issues.