Airway Restriction & Breathing Disorders Treated With Orthodontics
Dental aligners like Invisalign are designed to straighten and reposition misaligned teeth in the same way as traditional metal braces. Aligners are also effective at addressing issues like jaw and bite misalignment, a condition known as malocclusion.
In addition to their role in conventional orthodontics, aligners can also be applied in airway orthodontics.
When breathing difficulties are associated with irregular, misaligned, or overcrowded teeth, orthodontic treatment can be highly beneficial. Clear aligners are a discreet, long-term solution for patients suffering from disordered breathing and airway restrictions caused by structural issues. This is what can make treatments like Invisalign for sleep apnea preferred over traditional braces.
The Structural Connection to Breathing Disorders
If you’re grappling with a breathing disorder, it’s possible that the root cause lies in an underdeveloped oral structure.
The oral structure plays a pivotal role in our facial development. This means it also impacts how we breathe, speak, chew, and various other aspects of our health.
With a healthy oral structure, the tongue rests comfortably at the roof of the mouth behind the upper teeth. This natural placement exerts gentle pressure against the inner surfaces of the teeth, maintaining their proper alignment. The tongue also counters pressure exerted by the cheeks against the outer surfaces of teeth.
In some situations, the tongue doesn’t assume its ideal resting position. This can be attributed to incorrect swallowing patterns, tongue thrusting, tongue-tie, overcrowded or crooked teeth, thumb-sucking, or habitual mouth breathing. As a result, teeth gradually shift and become misaligned.
On the other hand, misaligned teeth can also restrict the space available for the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth. Improper tongue positioning can, in turn, lead to poor orofacial development. A longer, narrower face and underdeveloped upper and lower jaws is the common result. When this happens, the airway can become narrowed or obstructed.
A compromised airway can give rise to problems like sleep-disordered breathing, reduced oxygen intake, mood disorders, general health complications, and future dental issues.
Clear Aligners for Structural Breathing Disorders
Dental aligners work by moving teeth into their proper positions over time. When problems like overcrowded teeth or malocclusion lead to a confined dental arch, breathing disorders can occur. In these cases, orthodontic treatment can prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Airway orthodontic treatment aims to enhance respiratory capacity by expanding the airway. Clear aligners help correct poor dental alignment. Properly aligned teeth create more room for the tongue to rest at the roof of the mouth, facilitating improved airflow.
Clear aligners can also promote proper facial growth in children. Similarly, adults can experience improved facial shape with aligner treatment.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your dental requirements and oral structure. This may mean you receive clear aligners for the top teeth only, or single arch treatment. Your dentist could also recommend clear aligners for the bottom teeth and the top teeth if malocclusion is the problem.
UARS & Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Clear aligners for crowded teeth can improve issues like Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is because both disorders can be caused by a narrow upper airway resulting from poorly positioned teeth.
If you’re interested in learning more about OSA and UARS treatment, contact Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge today.
Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge | Clear Aligners for Airway-Focused Dental Care
Breathing disorders can significantly impact physical development, mental well-being, and general and oral health. At Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge, we offer non-invasive treatments for sleep-disordered breathing, upper airway dysfunction, snoring, mouth breathing, and other related conditions.
If you’re searching for “clear teeth aligners near me” in Park Ridge, IL, reach out to our dental professionals today! We offer airway dentistry services to help patients achieve optimal sleep and breathing health and protect their orofacial development.