The answer to the question “Does orthodontics help with snoring?” is YES. There’s a significant void between orthodontic treatment and what people actually know and this is one of them.
We treat a lot of adult patients in our office and find that most of the orthodontic problems they’re having can be avoided with early childhood treatment. This means that a lot of the choices you make early on in your child’s life can help avoid severe orthodontic problems when they reach adulthood.
When to Start Orthodontist Visits
It is recommended that the first visit to the orthodontist should take place around their first birthday. Beginning regular dental visits at an early age also helps make the child feel more at ease about seeing the dentist.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is a sign that the affected person may have sleep apnea, a serious condition that causes brief interruptions in their breathing while sleeping. The actual cause of snoring is a blocked airway, which occurs when the soft tissue in the throat relaxes during sleep. As the airway becomes blocked, the uvula and soft palate vibrate when breathing, resulting in snoring. A number of other conditions can increase the likelihood of snoring, including obesity, using a sedative at bedtime, heavy alcohol consumption and there’s also a connection between an overbite and snoring.
How Does an Overbite Cause Snoring?
When an excessive overbite occurs, the jaw is recessed back so far that it can end up pinching the airway, causing an obstruction. Fortunately, for most people, overbites can be straightened out with orthodontic treatment. Although the process of correcting an overbite with braces will take longer than surgical options, it’s a much less painful and invasive course of action. There are several braces options available today, including Invisalign that can correct an excessive overbite problem, along with straightening crooked teeth.
Is snoring an issue for you? Contact E&S Orthodontics to set up a complimentary consultation today to see if braces can help.
