You know that orthodontic treatment is used to straighten misaligned teeth. This is one of the most common reasons why patients choose to undergo it. However, orthodontic treatment goes much further than that. Orthodontics can be used to help with airway management. Continue reading to learn more about how your orthodontist can help you achieve restful sleep!
How Do Orthodontics and Airway Management Relate?
To understand how orthodontics can affect airway management, it’s important to understand the relationship between jaw alignment, the airway, and breathing. Traditional orthodontics works mainly by straightening the teeth, but the airway management approach works to correct structural issues that can block airflow. This could include expanding the jaw, guiding the teeth into better positions, and other steps to support oral function.
How Do Orthodontics Improve Breathing
The approach your orthodontist takes will depend on the size and shape of your airway. If you have a narrow jaw or misaligned teeth, they can limit airflow, causing you to snore, breath through your mouth, and even have sleep apnea. To address this, your orthodontist might use palatal or arch expansion, braces or clear aligners, myofunctional therapy, or surgical orthodontics for more complex situations. By creating a custom treatment plan for your unique needs, your orthodontist can help you achieve a wider airway with reduced obstruction, and improved oxygen flow.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Airway Management?
There are a variety of benefits that you can experience by correcting your airway issues with orthodontic treatment. Here are just some of the most prominent ones.
- Improved sleep quality
- Lower risk of sleep apnea
- Decreased tension of the jaw
- Increased oxygen intake
- Less fatigue during the day
- Lower risk of cardiovascular stress
Is Orthodontic Airway Management Right for Me?
Orthodontic airway management can be beneficial for patients at any age. For children, orthodontics can be used to guide jaw development and prevent long-term breathing problems. For adults, orthodontics can be used to reduce snoring and mouth breathing, address daytime fatigue, improve focus, and prevent dry mouth and morning headaches associated with jaw tension and insufficient oxygen intake. During your consultation with your orthodontist, you will discuss your symptoms, and they will examine your smile to determine whether this is the route you should take.
Orthodontic treatment may be the solution you’ve been looking for to achieve the quality sleep you need at night to thrive during the day!
About the Author
Dr. Alex J. Johnson earned his dental doctorate from Washington University before completing his master’s and Orthodontic Certificate from the same school. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He earned his Board Certification in Dental Sleep Medicine and completed several courses in Airway Orthodontics. To learn more about airway orthodontics or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (727) 786-7550.