On Posted on April 23, 2025 by rohit-seo to Orthodontics for Adults Home / Blog / The Connection Between Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea in Adults Most adults are suffering from sleep apnea without knowing that the root of the problem could be attributed to the misalignment of their jaws and teeth. Sleep apnea happens while sleeping and sometimes results in bad sleep, tiredness, and even severe health conditions. Surprisingly, your orthodontist might have more to offer than aligning your teeth. What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a nighttime sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted and begins again many times during the night. The most prevalent form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles of the throat relax too much and obstruct the airway. It produces loud snoring, gasping for breath, and recurring waking. If not treated, it can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. How Jaw Position Affects Breathing The structure and alignment of your jaw may influence breathing very much. If your lower jaw is too far back or your upper jaw is too thin, it will decrease the width of your airway. It becomes more comfortable for the throat to close over during sleep. Orthodontic treatment can alter jaw position and increase space within the airway, making others breathe more easily at night. Signs That You Might Need Help Adults often miss the signs of sleep apnea or think it’s just normal snoring. The following are some warning signs to keep an eye out for: Feeling very tired even after a full night’s sleep Snoring loudly or waking up gasping Headaches in the morning Trouble focusing during the day If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to talk to an orthodontic specialist. Jaw Alignment and Treatment Options One of the methods orthodontists use in treating sleep apnea is by adjusting the way the jaws and teeth fit together. The treatments involve braces, special expanders, or jaw-positioning appliances. These changes can potentially open up the airway and also improve airflow. Patients also wear these devices in conjunction with a CPAP machine for some patients. More and more adults are now visiting orthodontics in Calgary, not only for a more beautiful smile but also for improved sleep. Orthodontics and Adult Sleep Apnea As more adults understand how their bite affects their health, interest in orthodontics for adults in Calgary is rising. Modern treatments are faster, less noticeable, and more comfortable than in the past. In some cases, aligners or braces can improve both dental and airway problems without surgery. Adults who never got braces as teens are now turning to orthodontists for both cosmetic and health-related reasons. Can Orthodontics Help Sleep Apnea? So, can orthodontics help sleep apnea? Yes, in many cases, it can. While not every sleep apnea patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment, those with structural jaw issues often see major improvement. By realigning the jaw, orthodontics can reduce obstruction in the airway. It may not replace all treatments like CPAP, but it can reduce dependence on them and improve quality of life. Other Dental Solutions That May Help Besides braces and aligners, some patients benefit from oral appliances. These are mouthguard-like tools that keep the jaw in a better position during sleep. They are often recommended for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Simultaneous consultation with an orthodontist and a sleep specialist may be the most optimal outcome. Benefits of Addressing Sleep Apnea Early Treating sleep apnea with orthodontics offers more than just better sleep. It can also: Improve daily energy levels Boost memory and focus. Lower the risk of serious health problems. Improve mood and mental health. When breathing improves, so does overall wellness. Lifestyle Changes That Support Treatment Apart from orthodontic therapy, certain lifestyle modifications can aid in the management of sleep apnea: Lose weight if you’re overweight Sleep on your side instead of your back. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Follow a regular sleep schedule. These steps, along with the right treatment plan, can make a big difference. Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep – Visit Our Clinic Today If you’re struggling with snoring or poor sleep, orthodontic care might be the missing piece. At Symmetry Orthodontics, we combine expert knowledge with modern solutions to help adults breathe easier and sleep better. Our team will evaluate your needs and help determine if you’re a candidate for treatment. A skilled orthodontist can work with our specialists to create a plan that supports your health. Don’t let sleep apnea affect your life—contact us today and take the first step toward better sleep and better living. Tagsorthodontics for adults in Calgaryorthodontics in Calgary PreviousPrevious post:Understanding Common Orthodontic Issues in Children NextNext post:9 Effective Ways to Fix Crooked Teeth Without Braces Recent Posts 9 Effective Ways to Fix Crooked Teeth Without Braces The Connection Between Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea in Adults Understanding Common Orthodontic Issues in Children How Orthodontic Treatment Can Improve Your Teen’s Oral Health? How to Maintain a Healthy Diet During Orthodontic Treatment
Most adults are suffering from sleep apnea without knowing that the root of the problem could be attributed to the misalignment of their jaws and teeth. Sleep apnea happens while sleeping and sometimes results in bad sleep, tiredness, and even severe health conditions. Surprisingly, your orthodontist might have more to offer than aligning your teeth. What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a nighttime sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted and begins again many times during the night. The most prevalent form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles of the throat relax too much and obstruct the airway. It produces loud snoring, gasping for breath, and recurring waking. If not treated, it can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. How Jaw Position Affects Breathing The structure and alignment of your jaw may influence breathing very much. If your lower jaw is too far back or your upper jaw is too thin, it will decrease the width of your airway. It becomes more comfortable for the throat to close over during sleep. Orthodontic treatment can alter jaw position and increase space within the airway, making others breathe more easily at night. Signs That You Might Need Help Adults often miss the signs of sleep apnea or think it’s just normal snoring. The following are some warning signs to keep an eye out for: Feeling very tired even after a full night’s sleep Snoring loudly or waking up gasping Headaches in the morning Trouble focusing during the day If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to talk to an orthodontic specialist. Jaw Alignment and Treatment Options One of the methods orthodontists use in treating sleep apnea is by adjusting the way the jaws and teeth fit together. The treatments involve braces, special expanders, or jaw-positioning appliances. These changes can potentially open up the airway and also improve airflow. Patients also wear these devices in conjunction with a CPAP machine for some patients. More and more adults are now visiting orthodontics in Calgary, not only for a more beautiful smile but also for improved sleep. Orthodontics and Adult Sleep Apnea As more adults understand how their bite affects their health, interest in orthodontics for adults in Calgary is rising. Modern treatments are faster, less noticeable, and more comfortable than in the past. In some cases, aligners or braces can improve both dental and airway problems without surgery. Adults who never got braces as teens are now turning to orthodontists for both cosmetic and health-related reasons. Can Orthodontics Help Sleep Apnea? So, can orthodontics help sleep apnea? Yes, in many cases, it can. While not every sleep apnea patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment, those with structural jaw issues often see major improvement. By realigning the jaw, orthodontics can reduce obstruction in the airway. It may not replace all treatments like CPAP, but it can reduce dependence on them and improve quality of life. Other Dental Solutions That May Help Besides braces and aligners, some patients benefit from oral appliances. These are mouthguard-like tools that keep the jaw in a better position during sleep. They are often recommended for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Simultaneous consultation with an orthodontist and a sleep specialist may be the most optimal outcome. Benefits of Addressing Sleep Apnea Early Treating sleep apnea with orthodontics offers more than just better sleep. It can also: Improve daily energy levels Boost memory and focus. Lower the risk of serious health problems. Improve mood and mental health. When breathing improves, so does overall wellness. Lifestyle Changes That Support Treatment Apart from orthodontic therapy, certain lifestyle modifications can aid in the management of sleep apnea: Lose weight if you’re overweight Sleep on your side instead of your back. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Follow a regular sleep schedule. These steps, along with the right treatment plan, can make a big difference. Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep – Visit Our Clinic Today If you’re struggling with snoring or poor sleep, orthodontic care might be the missing piece. At Symmetry Orthodontics, we combine expert knowledge with modern solutions to help adults breathe easier and sleep better. Our team will evaluate your needs and help determine if you’re a candidate for treatment. A skilled orthodontist can work with our specialists to create a plan that supports your health. Don’t let sleep apnea affect your life—contact us today and take the first step toward better sleep and better living.