The most important effects of orthodontics on improving sleep quality

orthodontic articles

Having quality sleep is one of the main pillars of physical and mental health. Many people think that dental problems only affect the smile and beauty of the face, while jaw and dental abnormalities can directly affect the breathing pattern, jaw position and sleep quality. In recent years, several studies have shown that orthodontic treatment can play an important role in improving sleep and preventing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea. In this article from the website of Dr. Najmeh Drtahvildarnejad, orthodontic specialist in Mashhad, we examine the most accurate and scientific effects of orthodontics on sleep.

Relation of jaw abnormalities with sleep disorders

Before examining the effects of orthodontics, it is necessary to know how the structure of the jaw and teeth can affect sleep. When the upper and lower jaws are in an incorrect position or the dental arch is tight, the breathing path may be narrowed or partially blocked during sleep.

This situation causes the air flow to the lungs to decrease and the person faces snoring or frequent awakenings during sleep.

In some cases, this problem leads to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); A state in which breathing stops for a few seconds and the brain wakes the person up to recover oxygen. Orthodontics can improve this cycle by correcting the shape of the jaw and the position of the teeth.

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Orthodontics and airway opening

One of the most important effects of orthodontic treatment is increasing the breathing space in the pharynx and nose. When the upper jaw is too small or backward, the roof of the mouth rises and the space behind the pharynx becomes narrow.

Using orthodontic devices (especially in growing age) it is possible to expand the upper jaw and make this space more open. As a result, breathing becomes easier and quieter during sleep, and oxygen delivery to the body improves.

In patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, this treatment alone can sometimes replace a CPAP mask.

Correcting jaw position and reducing snoring

Snoring is one of the most common problems that occurs due to partial obstruction of the airway during sleep. Many people who snore have lower jaw misalignment or retraction.

Orthodontic treatment can open the passage of air through the throat by gradually moving the lower jaw forward and adjusting the ratio of the jaws. This small change in the structure of the jaw has a big effect in reducing or even eliminating night snoring.

In some cases, the orthodontist uses functional devices or jaw splints to correct the position, which directly improves the quality of sleep.

Read more' to find out about orthodontic pain reduction methods, click on the given link.

Effect of orthodontics on tongue condition and oral breathing

In many patients with jaw deformities, the tongue is not in the correct position while sleeping and may fall backwards and block the airway. By correcting the shape of the jaw and palate, orthodontics can provide the oral environment for the natural placement of the tongue.

In addition, in people who breathe through the mouth chronically, the teeth become protruding and the jaws are asymmetrical. After orthodontic treatment, the nasal passage becomes more open and the breathing pattern changes from mouth to nose. This simple change has a direct effect on increasing oxygen intake and deeper sleep.

Improving jaw muscle function and reducing night pains

Jaw pains and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems are factors that can disrupt night sleep. When the teeth are not in the right position, unbalanced pressure is applied to the muscles and the jaw joint.

With orthodontic treatment, these pressures are evenly distributed and pain, jaw locking, or joint noises are reduced. The result of this process is a more restful sleep without waking up due to jaw pain or morning headaches.

Effect of orthodontics on reduction of night grinding

Another positive effect of orthodontics is reducing bruxism or night grinding. This unconscious habit is usually caused by dental misalignment or stress.

By correcting the arrangement of the teeth, the contact between them becomes more natural and the brain no longer sends a signal to squeeze the jaws. As a result, teeth wear, headache and morning fatigue are also reduced.

On the other hand, deeper sleep is achieved because the body is no longer involved in muscle tension during the night.

Sleep improvement in children with early orthodontics

Children who suffer from jaw or mouth breathing abnormalities are usually restless in their sleep and experience fatigue or difficulty concentrating during the day.

Orthodontic treatment at a young age, especially with maxillary expanders, can fix these problems at the very beginning. This treatment not only helps to improve sleep, but also causes the normal growth of the jaw, increases brain oxygen and improves the child's academic performance.

Psychological and indirect effects of orthodontics on sleep quality

Orthodontics does not only have a physical effect. Correcting the smile design increases self-confidence and reduces anxiety. When a person feels more satisfied with his appearance, he experiences less stress before sleep and falls asleep faster.

On the other hand, having better breathing, soundless sleep and reducing frequent awakenings, makes the body have enough rest during the night and feels more energetic and refreshed during the day.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment is not only for the beauty of the smile, but it has a profound effect on the general health of the body, especially the quality of sleep.

Correcting the position of the jaws, expanding the airways, improving the position of the tongue, reducing snoring, and regulating the function of the jaw muscles are all factors that lead to better breathing, deeper sleep, and reduced sleep disorders.

Therefore, in people who have jaw deformity, snoring or even sleep apnea, consultation with an orthodontic specialist can It is an effective step in the path of having a healthy sleep and a better quality of life.

Frequently asked questions about the effects of orthodontics on sleep

1. Can orthodontics help to treat sleep apnea?

Yes, in mild to moderate cases, by expanding the upper jaw and correcting the position of the lower jaw, orthodontics can open the airway and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.

2. Does snoring disappear after orthodontics?

Yes in many patients. If the cause of snoring is jaw disharmony or partial obstruction of the airway, orthodontics can significantly resolve it.

3. Can children also sleep better with orthodontics?

Definitely. Early orthodontics in children improves jaw growth, nasal breathing and more peaceful sleep.

4. How long does it take for the effect of orthodontics to appear on sleep?

Depending on the type of jaw problem, usually a few months after starting the treatment, a person notices an improvement in the quality of sleep and a decrease in snoring or waking up at night.

About the author:

In 1379, I was accepted in the national entrance exam of universities with a distinguished rank (5th rank) in the experimental field and started studying at Mashhad Dental School. During my academic period, I was one of the distinguished students of this faculty and I received many academic awards. And finally, in 2018, by defending my thesis on "The effect of bone growth factor on jaw problems", I managed to obtain a doctorate degree in dentistry and became a member of the country's medical system organization and the World Association of Orthodontic Specialists.