Sleep Apnea and Orthodontics
Sleep should be restful and restorative, but for many individuals, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disrupts that essential cycle. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockages, often caused by the collapse of soft tissues or improper jaw positioning.
At Beam Orthodontics, we offer specialized orthodontic solutions for sleep apnea that target the root of the problem, the structure of your jaw and airway, to help you breathe better and sleep soundly.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
The term “apnea” comes from the Greek for “without breath.” In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, breathing stops for 10 seconds or more at a time, sometimes occurring hundreds of times each night. These breathing pauses can lead to dangerously low oxygen levels, disrupting the body’s natural sleep cycle and increasing the risk of long-term health complications.
Sleep apnea occurs when:
The muscles in the throat and tongue relax
The lower jaw shifts backward during sleep
The airway becomes partially or completely blocked
Each time breathing stops (an apnea) or becomes dangerously shallow (a hypopnea), the body reacts with stress responses, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and even involuntary jerking movements, to resume breathing. Most patients aren’t fully awakened, but the constant interruptions prevent deep, restful sleep.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea can be life-changing — and even life-saving. Symptoms may include:
Loud, chronic snoring
Gasping, choking, or coughing during sleep
Waking up with a racing heart
Morning headaches or dry mouth
Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep
Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or trouble focusing
Memory issues or brain fog
Mood swings, irritability, or depression
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Acid reflux (in adults)
Bedwetting or ADHD-like behavior (in children)
Why Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of serious and even life-threatening health conditions, including:
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Weakened immune function
Sudden cardiac events
Your body works overtime every night just to maintain breathing — which is like running a marathon in your sleep. Over time, this chronic stress takes a toll on your physical and mental health.
Orthodontic Solutions for Sleep Apnea
Not every case of sleep apnea requires a CPAP machine or surgery. Many patients benefit from non-invasive orthodontic treatments that correct structural problems contributing to airway obstruction.
Custom oral appliances are designed to gently reposition the jaw and keep the airway open during sleep
Jaw expansion techniques to create more space in the airway and reduce crowding of the tongue
Growth-focused orthodontic care for children to guide proper jaw development and prevent airway issues from worsening over time
These solutions can significantly reduce snoring and sleep apnea episodes, improving oxygen flow, sleep quality, and overall health.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation
If you or your child experiences signs of sleep apnea or chronic snoring, don’t wait to seek help. Early diagnosis and orthodontic intervention can make a life-changing difference.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Sebastian Rodríguez and learn more about how we can help you breathe easier and sleep better, naturally.
