Sleep apnea is a serious health issue that can lead to daytime sleepiness, increased demands on the heart and lungs and can lead to long term illnesses. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common and is discussed in great detail here. There is a link between orthodontics and obstructive sleep apnea such that correcting problems with the former can improve symptoms of the latter.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs because the airway (the back of the mouth and throat) collapses when it is relaxed during sleep. This collapsed airway causes the patient to stop breathing temporarily until the lungs can generate enough force to overcome the collapsed airway. Obviously this is very stressful on the heart and lungs.
The great debate
There has been some debate among dentists and orthodontists about the benefits of straight teeth and sleep apnea. Some have argued that orthodontic appliances lead to more problems with sleep apnea while others cite hundreds of patients that have been successfully treated for sleep apnea by the careful selection of an orthodontic appliance. What is not debatable is the benefit of mouth guards or mouth pieces for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. These orthodontic appliances help hold the airway open, improve breathing and improve obstructive sleep apnea for some patients.
Orthodontic treatment of sleep apnea
While there are many ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea like nighttime CPAP breathing devices or surgery, proper orthodontic treatment is among the easiest, most comfortable, and most effective sleep apnea treatments. By using a properly fitted mouth guard, the teeth are held slightly apart even when the mouth is relaxed during sleep. Because of the anatomical structure of the mouth and airway, holding the jaws apart just a little keeps the entire airway open. For example, try breathing slowly both with your teeth closed and with your teeth open slightly. Which way is easier?
The importance of proper orthodontic appliance fitting