Can Orthodontic Treatment Help Sleep Apnea? (3 EASY FACTS)
Sleep apnea is a common disorder in the USA. The issue affects over 18 million adults and children at any given time. Sleep apnea affects a person’s breathing during sleep cycles. And ranges from disruptive to dangerous. In this post, we’ll take you through how orthodontic treatment can cure sleep apnea. Let’s get going.
Table of Contents
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, also spelled sleep apnoea, is a sleep disorder. Pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep occur. It is considered a disorder as this occurs more often than normal.
Each pause can last for a few seconds or a few minutes. And many times, per night. This follows a loud snoring episode. It affects both the sufferer and the people close to them. Usually, the partner sleeping in the same bed.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
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Heart attacks or heart failure
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Strokes
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High blood pressure
Different Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- This is the most common form of the disorder. This type occurs when muscles in the back of the throat relax too much. Supporting the tonsils, tongue, soft palate, and throat sides. When the muscles are too relaxed, the airway narrows making breathing hard.
- This narrowing tells the brain to use the nose, it is this transition that affects the sleep pattern. This event can happen many times per hour.
Central Sleep Apnea
- This is a less common form of the disorder. The brain will fail to translate the orders to the muscles and breathing stops. The result of this is a lack of effort to breathe. This is for a small amount of time only and is less scary than it sounds.
Complex Sleep Apnea
- This is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Orthodontic Issues That Cause Sleep Disorders
Conclusion
Remember, orthodontic treatment will give you respite from sleep disorders. This is once treatment is in motion and completed, not to mention a boost of confidence. You’ll also be able to have better oral hygiene and avoid problems like TMJ disorders. Dr. Gluck is here for you to bring out the best in your smile. Make your appointment today with Dr. Jonathan Gluck.

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.
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