Can Orthodontics Fix Sleep Issues?

There are so many reasons to get orthodontic treatment from Hidden Smiles Orthodontics. From helping you get the confidence of a straight smile to fixing a range of other health issues, Dr. Parikh’s customized braces and Invisalign treatment plans will be one of the best investments you’ve ever made! 

If you struggle with TMJ or sleep apnea, you can find relief at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics. Keep reading to learn how orthodontic treatment can help with sleep issues and other problems!

All About TMJ

Your temporomandibular joint sits on both sides of your face and works to connect your jawbone to your skull. These joints are extremely important for helping you speak and chew, but they can also cause a lot of issues for people suffering from bad bites or malocclusions. 

Symptoms

When the temporomandibular joints become inflamed, they can cause headaches, earaches, facial pain, and jaw pain. TMJ can even make it uncomfortable or difficult to sleep. 

Symptoms include: 

• Jaw pain
• Neck/shoulder pain
• Earaches
• Headaches
• Clicking or popping sounds when chewing
• Tooth pain

Causes

There are several potential causes of TMJ, including grinding your teeth (an orthodontic condition called bruxism), arthritis, stress, and a bad bite. Each of these conditions places excess pressure and strain on your jaw, which in turn puts pressure on the temporomandibular joint. 

Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without knowing they’re doing it. The resulting TMJ can make it more difficult and even painful to sleep, so it’s important to talk to your orthodontist as soon as possible about your symptoms. 

All About Sleep Apnea

Sleep is important for your physical health, as it allows your body to rest and recalibrate after a long day. Although scientists are puzzled by the reason why we need so much sleep as humans, there is a definite consensus that the average adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. When you wake up feeling tired even after sleeping the recommended number of hours, sleep apnea might be the reason. 

Causes

During sleep, your mouth and jaw muscles relax along with the rest of your body. When you sleep on your back, however, your jawbone slides backward, which narrows your throat and makes it harder to breathe throughout the night. 

If you have a bad bite, this problem can get much worse and more serious. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can all cause sleep apnea. Fortunately, that means orthodontic treatment from Hidden Smiles Orthodontics can help!

Symptoms 

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing problems during sleep. Your breathing might start and stop without your control throughout the night. If you’re a chronic snorer (or if your partner tells you that you are), you’re likely dealing with this disorder. 

Other symptoms include: 

• Snoring 
• Gasping for air while asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep or waking up
• Dry mouth upon waking

How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help with TMJ & Sleep Apnea

Our doctors are skilled professionals trained to help fix issues like sleep apnea and TMJ. We offer several different treatments to fix your bad bite so you can sleep peacefully through the night.

Orthodontic Treatments

Metal Braces: Metal braces are our most popular treatment method, and they’re probably the first method that comes to mind when you think about orthodontics. Metal braces are a heavy-duty method for fixing moderate to severe orthodontic issues like bad bites that cause TMJ or sleep apnea. Traditional braces straighten your smile over 12-36 months using a system of brackets and wires. 

Clear Braces: Like metal braces, clear braces use brackets and wires to align your smile. However, unlike traditional braces, clear braces use white ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of your teeth for a less noticeable treatment. Clear braces are an excellent option for patients who want a more discreet treatment plan with the same strength as metal braces. 

Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are similar to metal braces in that they include a system of brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. However, the main difference is that they are applied to the back of your teeth rather than the front. This means that they are practically invisible throughout the duration of your treatment! 

Invisalign: This treatment option uses a series of clear plastic trays that gradually shift your bite back in shape. Rather than using the bulky brackets and wires of traditional braces, Invisalign straightens your teeth almost invisibly, so you can enjoy the perks of a beautiful grin even while undergoing treatment. Invisalign is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and treatment can take as little as six months to complete. 

Other Appliances

Orthodontic Night Guard: Our team at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics might recommend an orthodontic night guard to help reduce pressure on your jaw while you sleep. By putting this personalized guard on each night before bed, your teeth will stay separated and make sleep much more comfortable. 

Rapid Palate Expander: An RPE can help provide more space for airflow in your mouth, reducing or even eliminating your sleep apnea symptoms. This device fits at the roof of your mouth and widens the palate over a short period of time. Typically, this is a good option for younger patients whose mouths are still growing. 

Smiles Start Here

When it comes to getting the straight smile you deserve and the pain relief that comes with it, one thing is true: smiles start at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics. We offer four unique, personalized treatment plans for patients of all ages in Huntington. If you’re ready to get started on treatment, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Parikh today!