When most people think of orthodontics, they picture braces, straight teeth, and a more confident smile. But orthodontic care can offer benefits that go beyond appearance — including improving how you sleep and breathe.
If you or your child struggles with snoring, mouth breathing, or has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s worth considering how orthodontics may play a role in your treatment. In some cases, orthodontic intervention can help open the airway, improve jaw position, and reduce nighttime symptoms.
In this article, we’ll explore how orthodontics can help with sleep-disordered breathing and when it makes sense to include an orthodontist as part of your sleep apnea care team.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which a person’s airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep. This can lead to repeated interruptions in breathing, causing poor sleep quality and lower oxygen levels.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Mouth breathing at night
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Daytime fatigue or irritability
- Difficulty focusing or learning (especially in children)
Sleep apnea is most commonly diagnosed through a sleep study and can affect both adults and children.
How Is the Airway Connected to Orthodontics?
Your airway is surrounded by structures that orthodontists specialize in: the jaws, palate (roof of the mouth), and positioning of the teeth. If these structures are too narrow or misaligned, they can contribute to airway restriction — especially during sleep when the muscles relax.
Here are a few ways dental and facial development may contribute to breathing problems:
- A narrow upper jaw can limit the size of the nasal airway
- A small or recessed lower jaw can cause the tongue to fall back into the throat
- Crossbites or poor tongue posture may influence mouth breathing habits
- Crowded teeth and improper oral development can affect the tongue’s resting position
Orthodontists can help identify these issues early and offer treatment options to support better breathing.
Orthodontic Treatments That May Help Sleep Apnea or Snoring
While orthodontics is not a cure for all sleep-related issues, certain treatments may help improve airway function — especially when combined with a multi-disciplinary approach (including ENT specialists or sleep physicians).
Here are some ways orthodontic treatment can support better breathing:
1. Palatal Expansion (Especially in Children)
A common cause of airway restriction is a narrow palate. This can reduce nasal airflow and force a child to breathe through their mouth.
Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPEs) gently widen the upper jaw over time, improving the shape of the nasal cavity and increasing airflow. This is most effective in growing children and may reduce snoring or mild OSA symptoms.
2. Guided Jaw Growth (Early Orthodontic Treatment)
In children with small or underdeveloped jaws, early orthodontic treatment can guide facial growth in a way that supports better breathing. This may involve using functional appliances that help the lower jaw develop forward — improving tongue space and reducing airway obstruction.
3. Orthognathic Surgery (in Adults with Severe Jaw Misalignment)
For adults with significant jaw discrepancies contributing to sleep apnea, corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) may be recommended. This procedure repositions the jaws to open the airway permanently and is often done in collaboration with oral surgeons and sleep specialists.
4. Clear Aligners or Braces for Bite Correction
In some cases, orthodontic treatment alone — using braces or clear aligners — can improve how the jaws and teeth fit together, supporting a better tongue position and airway function. This is typically more helpful in mild cases of snoring or mouth breathing.
What Orthodontics Can’t Do
Orthodontics can play a role in improving airway space, but it is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. Orthodontists do not diagnose sleep apnea — that requires a sleep study and evaluation by a physician.
In moderate to severe cases, orthodontic care may be used alongside treatments such as:
- CPAP therapy
- Oral sleep appliances (mandibular advancement devices)
- ENT procedures (such as tonsil or adenoid removal)
A collaborative approach is key to getting the best results.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Airway Evaluation
Orthodontic evaluations can sometimes reveal underlying causes of poor breathing — even before symptoms are obvious. Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child:
- Snores regularly or breathes through their mouth at night
- Has a narrow jaw or visible crowding early on
- Struggles with attention, learning, or daytime fatigue
- Has trouble sleeping or wakes up frequently
- Has a tongue-tie or speech development issues
Early intervention may help support proper facial and airway development before problems become more serious.
Is Orthodontics Right for Your Sleep Concerns?
If you or your child has been diagnosed with sleep apnea — or has signs of sleep-disordered breathing — talk to your medical provider about whether orthodontic care could be part of your treatment plan.
Even in cases where orthodontics isn’t the full solution, improving jaw alignment and tongue posture can make a meaningful difference.
Looking for an Orthodontist Who Understands Airway Health?
At Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to treatment — including a focus on facial growth and airway development in children, teens, and adults.
We proudly serve families across West Chester Township, Blue Ash, and surrounding communities with personalized care that supports long-term health and wellness.
Schedule a complimentary exam today to find out if orthodontics may be part of the solution to better sleep and breathing.