How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help Alleviate Sleep Apnea: Insights from Woodlawn Orthodontics

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread and potentially serious sleep disorder that affects both children and adults. Characterized by repeated pauses and interruptions in breathing during sleep, OSA can lead to chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and long-term health complications such as high blood pressure and heart disease. While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy continues to be the most commonly prescribed treatment, orthodontic solutions are emerging as an effective alternative for some individuals. (Source: American Association of Orthodontics, Breathing Easy: How Orthodontics Can Alleviate Sleep Apnea, October 28, 2024, https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/can-orthodontic-treatment-help-sleep-apnea/ ).

Orthodontists play a critical role in identifying structural issues that contribute to airway obstruction. By using specialized orthodontic appliances and techniques, they can help alleviate the symptoms of OSA in select patients.

“Sleep apnea is often viewed as a condition that is strictly medical in nature, but the reality is that many cases have a structural component,” explains Woodlawn Orthodontics. “Orthodontic treatment can play an essential role in opening the airway and improving breathing during sleep, particularly when the underlying issue is related to jaw positioning or a constricted oral cavity.”

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea results from blocked airflow during sleep due to relaxed throat muscles, which cause soft tissues to collapse and restrict airflow. The result is repeated breathing interruptions, often accompanied by gasping, choking, or snoring. These interruptions can occur dozens—sometimes even hundreds—of times a night, disrupting the natural sleep cycle and reducing oxygen levels in the body.

“Many people don’t realize how interconnected the structure of the mouth, jaw, and airway truly are,” notes Woodlawn Orthodontics. “If someone has a narrow upper jaw, a recessed lower jaw, or even improper tongue posture, their airway can be compromised. In such cases, orthodontic care can provide solutions that improve airflow and potentially reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.”

Children and adults can both suffer from OSA, but the causes and manifestations can differ. While adults often experience excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring, children may exhibit hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, or behavioral issues linked to poor-quality sleep.

“In children, early intervention is key. If we can expand the palate or guide jaw growth at a young age, we can help create a more open airway, potentially preventing or reducing sleep apnea before it becomes a lifelong issue,” Woodlawn Orthodontics emphasizes.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea presents differently in each individual, but common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Mood swings or irritability

In children, additional signs may include restless sleep, mouth breathing, trouble waking up in the morning, and even bedwetting.

“It’s important to look beyond the obvious symptoms,” says Woodlawn Orthodontics. “Many people assume snoring is just an annoyance, but it can be a major red flag for an underlying airway issue. Similarly, parents may not immediately connect a child’s hyperactivity or attention difficulties to sleep disturbances. When we take a comprehensive approach, we can often identify structural concerns that contribute to these problems.”

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment: The Role of Orthodontic Care

Traditionally, OSA has been treated with CPAP therapy, which uses continuous positive air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. While effective, CPAP machines can be cumbersome, and many patients struggle with long-term compliance.

Orthodontic treatment provides an alternative approach for certain patients, especially when structural factors contribute to airway obstruction. One of the most common orthodontic solutions for OSA is the use of oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These appliances reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.

“Oral appliances are a great option for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy,” explains Woodlawn Orthodontics. “By gently pushing the lower jaw forward, these devices keep the airway open, promoting better airflow and uninterrupted sleep.”

In children, orthodontists may recommend palatal expansion to widen the upper jaw. A narrow palate can cause breathing problems by narrowing the nasal airway. Widening the upper jaw may enhance nasal breathing and provide more space for the tongue to rest properly.

“Palatal expansion is particularly effective in growing children because their bones are still developing,” says Woodlawn Orthodontics. “By addressing the issue early, we can guide jaw development in a way that promotes better breathing and potentially prevents sleep apnea from worsening over time.”

For some patients, a combination of orthodontic and surgical interventions may be necessary. Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) can be used to reposition the upper or lower jaw, effectively enlarging the airway.

“Each patient’s needs are unique,” emphasizes Woodlawn Orthodontics. “That’s why a thorough evaluation is so important. By assessing jaw structure, airway size, and other contributing factors, we can determine the best course of action—whether that involves oral appliances, orthodontic treatment, or collaboration with other healthcare providers.”

Obstructive sleep apnea is a severe condition with far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being. While CPAP therapy remains the standard treatment, orthodontic care offers a valuable alternative for patients whose sleep apnea is influenced by jaw positioning and airway structure. Through orthodontic solutions such as oral appliances, palatal expansion, and jaw realignment, patients can experience meaningful improvements in sleep quality and daytime function.

“The connection between orthodontics and sleep health is becoming increasingly clear,” concludes Woodlawn Orthodontics. “By addressing structural concerns early and effectively, we can help patients breathe better, sleep more soundly, and enjoy a better quality of life.”

As research continues to explore the link between orthodontic care and sleep apnea, it is evident that orthodontists play a vital role in identifying and treating airway-related issues. Whether through non-invasive oral appliances or comprehensive orthodontic solutions, patients struggling with sleep apnea have more options than ever before to achieve restful, uninterrupted sleep.