Sleep Quality

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These conditions occur when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, disrupting normal breathing patterns.

What many people don't realize is that the structure of your jaw and oral cavity plays a major role in airway health. Orthodontic treatment can address the underlying structural causes of sleep-disordered breathing.

How Jaw Position Affects Sleep

When you sleep, the muscles of your throat relax. If your airway is already narrow due to jaw structure, this relaxation can cause the airway to collapse, leading to:

• Snoring: Vibration of soft tissues as air squeezes through a narrow passage
• Hypopneas: Partial airway blockages causing shallow breathing
• Apneas: Complete airway blockages causing breathing to stop temporarily

Signs of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

In Children

Sleep-disordered breathing in children is often overlooked but can have significant effects:

• Hyperactivity and attention problems (often misdiagnosed as ADHD)
• Behavioral issues
• Poor academic performance
• Bedwetting
• Growth problems
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Dark circles under eyes

How Orthodontics Can Help

The Importance of Diagnosis

If you or your child shows signs of sleep-disordered breathing, proper diagnosis is essential. We can evaluate the structural aspects of your jaw and airway, but sleep disorders require diagnosis by a sleep physician, typically through a sleep study.

We work collaboratively with sleep physicians to ensure comprehensive care. Orthodontic treatment may be part of a multi-disciplinary approach that also includes:

• CPAP or oral appliance therapy
• Myofunctional therapy
• ENT evaluation (tonsils, adenoids)
• Weight management
• Positional therapy