Crooked teeth and bite problems can be major disorders that damage more than just your look. People considering obtaining braces are primarily concerned with improving the appearance of their smiles. However, many individuals are unaware that braces, and orthodontics in general, may do much more than improve your smile and self-esteem.
This may come as a surprise, but dental health is inextricably linked to sleep quality. Orthodontics treatments can enhance sleep quality for people with difficulty sleeping due to sleep apnea and snoring. You can consult a Fullerton family orthodontist for more information.
What causes sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea causes a person’s breathing to stop and start while they sleep. The brain wakes you up to take a breath, but this cycle makes sleeping hard. The following are the most common varieties of this condition:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
When the throat muscles relax, the airway gets closed.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA)
While you are sleeping, your brain does not manage your breathing adequately.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSAS)
Central and obstructive sleep apnea together.
The most prevalent type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity, naturally small airways, nasal congestion, and a large neck circumference are the most typical reasons in adults. Orthodontic problems can also cause narrowing of the airways, resulting in sleep apnea. Obesity, as well as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, can cause pediatric sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Caused by Orthodontics
OSA is related to craniofacial anatomy, malocclusion, and palate morphology. Overjet has also been observed in non-obese OSA patients. Dental arch problems and tooth misalignment might also affect sleep and breathing. Orthodontic abnormalities, such as a narrow jaw or an overbite, can also contribute to childhood sleep apnea.
What are the advantages of orthodontic treatment for sleep?
A good night’s sleep is well-known to be crucial for general health and well-being. But did you know that orthodontic treatment might help you sleep better? Here are some ways that orthodontic treatment might help you sleep better:
- Snoring can be reduced with orthodontic treatment.
Snoring by you or your partner can interrupt your sleep and cause weariness during the day. Orthodontic therapy, on the other hand, can assist in reducing this condition by opening up the airway and boosting airflow.
- Orthodontic therapy can help with sleep and breathing.
Sleep habits might be disrupted if you have difficulties breathing through your nose. Orthodontic therapy can help you breathe better at night by improving nasal airflow.
- Orthodontic therapy can help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
It might be difficult to obtain a decent night’s sleep if you have TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) or other jaw-related problems. Orthodontic therapy, on the other hand, can assist in alleviating pain and discomfort by properly aligning the teeth and jaws.
