The New Approach to Treating Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Aligner Therapy
Sleep apnea and snoring are often thought of as issues related to the airway alone, but in reality, they can stem from problems in jaw development. Many of us don’t realize that factors such as mouth breathing, a soft food diet, and habits like thumbsucking can impact the way our jaws grow during childhood, which can ultimately affect our breathing while we sleep.
How Jaw Growth Impacts Breathing
As we develop, our jaws are meant to grow wide and large, but certain influences can stunt this growth. One of the major effects is on the upper jaw (maxilla). When the upper jaw doesn’t grow properly, it pushes the palate upwards, reducing the space in the nasal cavity. This limits airflow through the nose, making it harder to breathe naturally during sleep.
At the same time, the lower jaw (mandible) can get “stuck” behind the smaller upper jaw. This prevents the lower jaw from reaching its full size, causing the tongue to be pushed back into the throat. When this happens, the airway can become restricted during sleep, leading to snoring or even obstructive sleep apnea—where airflow to the lungs is momentarily blocked.
This restricted breathing doesn’t just affect sleep quality—it can lead to a range of health issues. In children, symptoms of decreased airflow may manifest as:
- ADHD-like behavior
- Restless leg syndrome
- Constant fatigue
In adults, the consequences are even more severe:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart problems
- Metabolic syndrome
- Erectile dysfunction
These issues can drastically impact your daily life, from feeling constantly tired to facing long-term health risks.
The New Solution: Clear Aligner Therapy
The good news is that we now have the ability to treat the root cause of these breathing problems using clear aligner therapy. Clear aligners not only straighten your teeth, but they can also help guide your jaws into a more optimal position, widening the arches and allowing for better airflow.
Depending on the severity of the disordered breathing, one may need only clear aligner therapy. There are now some very advanced techniques available for more severe cases that do involve minor surgical intervention — the results of which far outweigh the temporary discomfort, leading to significant improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and overall health.
How Aligner Therapy Improves Breathing and Health
By gradually moving your teeth and realigning your jaws, aligner therapy creates more space for your tongue, improving airflow through your nose and throat while you sleep. This reduction in airway restriction can make snoring less frequent and milder, while improving your overall health. The benefits extend beyond better sleep:
- Reduced fatigue
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved metabolic function
- Better heart health
- Enhanced quality of life
In short, this innovative approach to treating sleep apnea and snoring doesn’t just stop the symptoms—it addresses the root cause, making long-term improvements to your health and well-being.
A Healthier, Happier Life
If you’ve been struggling with sleep apnea or snoring, aligner therapy could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. By guiding your jaws and teeth into their ideal position, we can help restore your health, reduce your snoring, and give you the restful sleep you deserve. Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a healthier, happier life!
Checklist to see whether you might need Clear Aligners for your Snoring
If you have any of the following issues in your mouth, ask your airway dentist to have a look and see if you may be a candidate for clear aligner therapy to help treat your airways:
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth wear from grinding or clenching
- TM joint pain and tightness
- Narrow arches
- Scallops on the side of your tongue
See a case before and after aligner therapy to widen the teeth arches for better tongue and airway space. We did do composite bonding after
If you’d like Dr Smithies to screen you for clear aligner therapy, book your appointment below