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Using Orthodontics to Cure Sleep Apnea

Home » Blog » Using Orthodontics to Cure Sleep Apnea

  • Laster Orthodontics
  • October 7, 2019

Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that affects an estimated 18 million adults in the United States and a good percentage of children. The disorder is always disrupting, and it can be serious in some situations.

What is Sleep Apnea?

People who suffer from sleep apnea experience repeated breathing interruptions as they sleep. The starts and stops can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, and they’re frequently disrupting both to the individual who has the disorder and any partner they sleep with.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring, and many people who snore loudly or frequently suffer from sleep apnea to one extent or another. Not everyone who snores does have the sleeping disorder, though.

While sleep apnea itself is rarely (if ever) fatal, it has several undesirable side effects and some of these are serious. The disorder can lead to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Repeated heart attacks
  • Repeated heart failures
  • Repeated strokes
  • Depression

The cardiovascular issues that occur with sleep apnea are most common in individuals who are already suffering or predisposed to these problems. Sleep apnea doesn’t necessarily cause these issues, but it can exacerbate any cardiovascular problems that are already present.

Additionally, people who have sleep apnea are frequently tired even when they get an adequate number of hours of sleep. Since their sleep is continually interrupted, they’re unable to get sufficient deep and restful sleep. To a lesser extent, partners may also be tired if snoring keeps them up.

Types of Sleep Apnea

The blockages that cause sleep apnea may occur in two areas, and there are three types of sleep apnea depending on where the blockages are located.

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common form of the disorder, normally occurs when muscles in the back of the throat relax too much. These muscles support the tonsils, soft palate, tongue and sides of the throat. If the muscles relax too much, the opening in this part of the airway narrows and breathing becomes difficult.

When the airway narrows due to obstructive sleep apnea, the brain automatically begins breathing through the nose instead of the mouth. This resolves the issue, but there’s still a disruption in the person’s sleep pattern. The disruption can occur as many as five to thirty times in an hour.

Central sleep apnea is a less common form of the disorder in which the transmission from the brain to the muscles needed for breathing fails. As a result, a person doesn’t make any effort to breathe for a small period of time.

Complex sleep apnea occurs when a person suffers from both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Orthodontic Causes of Sleep Apnea

In addition to the muscle-related causes of obstructive sleep apnea, this form of the disorder can also be caused by an orthodontic issue. In some patients, the airway isn’t blocked by issues with the throat muscles but instead by one or more of the following orthodontic problems:

  • Tooth misalignment
  • Jaw misalignment
  • Dental arch issue

When an orthodontic issue is causing sleep apnea, the condition requires the expertise of an orthodontic specialist who can recommend a dental device for sleep apnea.

Orthodontic Treatments of Sleep Apnea

Depending on the exact orthodontic issue that’s causing a person’s obstructive sleep apnea, there are three different types of dental appliances for sleep apnea that an orthodontist might recommend.

First, braces and aligners may be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea caused by misaligned teeth. These devices slowly but methodically move teeth out of their incorrect positions and into positions where the teeth won’t block the airway. Braces and aligners can both be used to treat children’s and adults’ sleep apnea, with aligners offering a less noticeable look than braces.

Second, a rapid palate expander is sometimes used to treat obstructive sleep apnea issues in children. The device is affixed to the upper molars by cemented bands or bonding, and it has a portion that bridges across the upper jaw. The purpose of a rapid palate expander is to help widen the space in the upper jaw.

Third, a mandibular advancement splint is a custom-fit brace that changes the jaw alignment during sleep. The device moves the lower jaw slightly forward and downward. The effect of this small movement is a widening of the airway, which reduces the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.

When a dental appliance for sleep apnea is deemed appropriate by an orthodontist, the appliance will have substantial benefits over a CPAP machine. Compared to the machine, braces, aligners, rapid palate expanders and mandibular advancement splints are smaller, less noticeable and quieter. Sometimes they need to be used with a CPAP machine, but in certain cases, a dental appliance for sleep apnea may eventually eliminate the need for a CPAP machine.

Insurance May Cover a Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Importantly, residents of North Carolina who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea usually have affordable access to any dental appliance for sleep apnea that they might need. When prescribed and fitted by an orthodontist, insurance often covers part or all of the cost of treatment.

Additionally, coverage may be available through either a dental insurance policy or a health insurance policy. Since obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition, a health insurance policy may cover treatment even if the treatment is provided by an orthodontist in Raleigh. Exact coverage, of course, depends on a person’s diagnosis and health plan.

At Laster Orthodontics, we help families develop healthy, life-changing smiles using customized treatments, cutting-edge technologies, and caring relationships. Our individualized treatment plans help our patients achieve their perfect smile in the quickest, most painless way possible by utilizing a wide range of options from traditional braces to Propel accelerated treatment to Dr. Laster’s in-house aligner program, Laster Perfect Smile. With three locations throughout the Triangle Area, we create life-changing smiles every day.

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Carmen O.
As always, I had a great experience! The staff are so kind and accommodating. I had an issue with my permanent retainer, and they were able to get me in really quickly. Akera replaced my retainer and did a fantastic job, she was super friendly and attentive. I really appreciate the level of care and service here!
Amy S.
Coming back today to add something to my review: Carina, the Practice Manager, is so incredibly patient and kind. Thank you for your help today, Carina! I appreciate you!

Today my son and I visited the Rolesville location of Laster Orthodontics. We were immediately greeted by a friendly team member. We only waited 5 minutes to be taken back for my son’s consultation. We met with Maria and she was fabulous!!! Very thorough, relatable and relaxed, yet professional. She explained every aspect of the treatment my son will receive, along with pricing information, payment plan options, etc. She was funny, too. Maria was great vibes all around. Dr. Laster popped in the room to introduce himself. He was cheerful and didn’t seem rushed or bothered by having to chat with us. My son and I can’t wait for our next visit! Thanks everyone, especially Maria! 😊
Shay C.
I normally don’t leave reviews, but I have to write this one. My daughter accidentally got her appointment date wrong and even took a day off work for her braces. By the time we realized it, it was too late to adjust her work schedule back. I called the office to see if there were any cancellations, and Shatyonia told me there had been a couple earlier, but they filled up quickly. I asked if she could call me back if anything else opened up that day, and she kindly agreed.

Sure enough, around 12 she called me back and asked if we could come in by 1 o’clock. Of course, I said yes! I am so thankful to her because she truly didn’t have to go out of her way for me and my daughter. Thanks to her, my daughter didn’t waste a day off work.

Also, I want to recognize Cynthia, who had excellent customer service when I came in looking for Shatyonia. These are two wonderful ladies running the front desk, and they really made our experience so much better.
Scuba
I wish we could give Laster Orthodontics higher than a 5-star review, because they are simply amazing! From the first contact I made with them by text, to the friendly staff at the front desk that greeted us when we walked in, to the amazing Treatment Coordinator that helped us, Maria Lopez, to the orthodontist himself: every individual was friendly, helpful and professional in every instance. THANK YOU Laster Orthodontics for an incredibly great experience! 🩷🙏
MJ E.
My experience with laster orthodontics was a great experience when I was getting my procedure done and the staff were very helpful in helping me with my success!!
ashley C.
Today went nice and smooth I called in the morning to get a bracket fixed and I got in and out only waited for 10mims and got done in 10mims . I love getting my teeth fixed @ Laster Orthodontics
Lisa R.
I love Laster Orthodontics! All of the staff is very nice and attentive. I’m always greeted with a smile.
Brittany W.
I’ve had such a great experience at Laster Orthodontics in Raleigh! From the moment I walked in, the staff was friendly, welcoming, and professional. Dr. Laster and his team made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process and were always patient with my questions. The office is super clean, modern, and efficient — they truly care about their patients and it shows. I’m so happy with my results and would recommend them to anyone looking to improve their smile. Thank you for making my journey such a smooth and positive one!
Maureen
My dentist recommended Laster Orthodontics and I am glad he did. The office staff are knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Laster and his team answered questions and gave options. And I appreciated the payment plan.
Amanda P.
Laster Orthodontics is hands down the BEST!!!! They have the nicest staff and they are so sweet to their patients and their patients parents. They gave my daughter a beautiful smile and we are forever grateful!!!!!
Logan F.
Dr. Laster and his team are so caring and understanding. Their care is top notch and they truly appreciate and care for their patients.
Shawna W.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Laster ortho! Dr laster is so nice. The staff are all amazing and are more like family! Love coming to my ortho appointments!!
Gwendolyn R.
My experience with Laster orthodontist was amazing. I wore liners for one year and Every visit was the same. The Entire staff are professional and very welcoming.
Janelle H.
Very welcoming, warm and friendly people. Engaging with your care and supportive staff! I enjoy my visit every time I go!
Brad L.
I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Laster! They were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making every visit comfortable and stress-free. Thanks to their expertise, my smile was corrected ahead of my wedding day, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!

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