Braces have a multitude of benefits beyond just straightening your teeth and bite. (Of course, since these are the more obvious effects, it’s easy to miss the subtler ones.) Here, we’ll look at the connection between braces and sleep apnea in Irmo, SC, and why it may help to explore braces if you’re having trouble with snoring.

Braces Can Correct Your Jaw Alignment

When your lower jaw moves back far enough, it can eventually start to impact the airway. With braces, you can start to push the lower jaw forward, so you can breathe more easily at night.

Braces Create More Space

Braces make more space in your mouth because they’re able to move the teeth and jaws. When your mouth is overcrowded, airflow is not only likely to be impeded, your tongue is also more likely to block the airway at some point during the night.

 

Braces Can Widen the Upper Jaw

Just as braces can push forward the lower jaw, they can also widen the upper jaw. This doesn’t just make space in your mouth, it creates space in the nasal passages.

 

Why Get Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

Braces are certainly not the most common treatment for sleep apnea. In fact, you’re more likely to hear about a dozen more solutions, including nasal strips and CPAP machines, before you hear about braces. The truth is that, while these solutions can be excellent for many people, they’re often a short-term solution. If you want to really address the root cause of sleep apnea, you may need to work on repositioning your teeth, gums, and jaw.

The best reason to get treatment for sleep apnea is not necessarily to appease your spouse (although that’s certainly not a bad reason)! The best reason is because your sleep is as important as your waking hours and, if you choose to ignore apnea, it could cause far more than just a few disruptions at night. In the worst-case scenarios, sleep troubles can cause anything from increased risk of heart disease to death. If you’re looking for a sleep orthodontist in Irmo, SC, contact Davis Orthodontics to learn more about how we can help — whether you need braces or not!