Sleep apnea and breathing disorders are among the most serious yet common health concerns affecting most of the populations in every country. These health concerns can impact the overall health and well-being of everyone with it. The good news is a lot of improvements and treatments have been made to make these concerns controllable or even cured.
Although these conditions are generally connected with respiratory problems, many people are unaware of the possible relationship between these ailments and orthodontic troubles. In this article, we will explore the connection between this breathing problem and how it is connected to orthodontics. Let’s dive in and understand the relationship between sleep apnea and breathing problems in orthodontics.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and Breathing Problems
Before we go to the connection of these health problems to orthodontics, let’s try to understand first what sleep apnea and breathing problems are. Sleep apnea is when a person repeatedly stops breathing while sleeping. These pauses in breathing, known medically as apneas, can last several seconds at a time and occur frequently throughout the night. This health problem can be very problematic, resulting in poor sleep quality and possibly a lack of oxygen supply that runs through the whole body and brain.
On the other hand, breathing disorder is much broader. It affects our respiratory system, leading to chronic snoring and nasal congestion. Breathing disorder isn’t as severe as sleep apnea but can still affect overall sleep quality and disrupt sleep patterns. It’s essential to check in with a professional once you notice these problems.
The Link Between Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea/Breathing Disorders
When we hear about sleep apnea and breathing disorders, the first thing that comes to our mind is to consult respiratory and sleep doctors. Don’t worry; it’s the right thing to do. But to give you a broader explanation, a malocclusion disorder also affects our breathing.
Malocclusion is the misalignment of our teeth and jaws and can significantly affect our breathing. It can alter a person’s breathing pattern due to its constriction of the airway and reduction of airflow. When a person has malocclusion, their tongue may rest in an unnatural position at night, leading to breathing difficulties due to blockages in the throat. Consulting an orthodontic can solve this misalignment issue that causes breathing disorders.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea and Breathing Disorders
An orthodontic can help treat sleep apnea and breathing disorder, especially if the leading cause is misalignment or malocclusion. The treatment is usually done to broaden the airway and improve nasal breathing. Several options are available, and you can always talk to an orthodontist for an opinion on the best treatment catered to your needs. Remember, you must get an opinion from other doctors specializing in sleep apnea and breathing disorder. Here are some orthodontic treatments that can help sleep apnea and breathing disorders.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are oral devices designed to help move the lower jaw forward as the wearer sleeps. By repositioning the jaw forward, MADs reduce or eliminate apneas and snoring by preventing airway closure.
Palatal Expansion
Palatal Expansion might be one of the most common treatments, and we are sure you already heard about this treatment. It’s an option for increasing nasal space and the size of one’s upper jaw. It is surgical but routine, so you are sure that orthodontists are all fully equipped with knowledge of how this procedure is done.
Orthognathic Surgery
If all else fails, orthognathic surgery might be your next best option. In this surgery, your orthodontist will fix both the upper and lower jaw. To optimize the anatomy and function of the airway, this surgical treatment includes repositioning the upper and lower jaws. It is a complex surgical procedure that will require careful planning and evaluation. Be sure to consider many factors, such as the skills, knowledge, and credibility of your chosen orthodontist, to avoid complications.
If you are looking for an orthodontist in Stafford, VA to help you with sleep apnea caused by orthodontic problems, look no further than Kumra Orthodontics. They cater to people of all ages and ensure you are in good hands by providing excellent care and support to their patients. The staff at Kumra Orthodontics is exceptional and provides patients’ high quality of care.
Conclusion
Although sleep apnea and breathing disorders come from different medical perspectives than orthodontics, they can be closely related in helping each other improve. The field of orthodontics has grown in importance for treating sleep apnea and other breathing problems due to its emphasis on correcting dental and facial abnormalities. When you need orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea or other breathing problems, you must choose a specialist who is both trained and has a lot of experience. You should find doctors who know not only about dentistry but also sleep medicine. These professionals can give you complete care and tailor solutions to your needs.