
Functional Orthodontics: Improving Sleep with Airway-Centric Care
Traditional orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth and improving your smile. Functional orthodontics, however, takes a broader approach, aiming to address not just the teeth but also the jaw, facial development, and even your sleep health. This emerging field, often called airway-centric orthodontics, is particularly relevant for individuals with sleep disorders.
The Connection Between Jaw Development and Sleep
A narrow jaw or underdeveloped facial structures can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen because a smaller airway is more prone to collapse during relaxation.
Functional orthodontics uses specialized appliances to gently guide jaw growth and development, potentially creating more space for the tongue and improving airway patency. This can be especially beneficial for children, as early intervention can help prevent sleep problems later in life.
Benefits of Airway-Centric Orthodontics for Sleep
While research is ongoing, functional orthodontics shows promise for improving sleep in several ways:
Increased airway space: By encouraging jaw growth, these appliances may create more room for the tongue and other airway structures.
Improved tongue posture: Functional appliances can help train the tongue to rest in a forward position, keeping the airway open.
Reduced mouth breathing: Orthodontic treatment can address underlying issues that contribute to mouth breathing, promoting healthier nasal breathing during sleep.
Improved sleep quality: By potentially reducing sleep apnea events, functional orthodontics may lead to better sleep quality and overall health benefits.
What to Expect with Airway-Centric Orthodontics
Treatment with a functional orthodontist typically involves:
Comprehensive evaluation: This includes assessment of your jaw development, facial features, and sleep studies (if needed) to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Appliance therapy: You’ll wear removable or fixed appliances designed to guide jaw growth and improve airway space.
Regular monitoring: Your orthodontist will track progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.