What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA occurs when airway collapse interrupts breathing during sleep. These pauses can cause daytime fatigue, headaches, and elevate risks for heart disease and high blood pressure. If you’re waking up gasping or snoring loudly, JT Orthodontics can evaluate whether orthodontic treatment may help.
Orthodontic Solutions for Sleep Apnea
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs). These custom-fitted oral appliances hold your lower jaw forward to open the airway during sleep. Ideal for mild to moderate OSA—or if you can’t tolerate CPAP—these devices are non-invasive, reversible, and often better tolerated .
- Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) / Palatal Expander. Primarily used for children, this device widens the upper jaw to increase airflow through the nasal passages. For adults, a mini-implant-assisted version (MARPE) offers similar airway expansion results .
- Functional Orthodontic Appliances. These are growth-focused devices that adjust jaw positioning in growing children, helping expand airway space early and reduce future OSA risk .
- Myofunctional Therapy. Complementing orthodontic devices, myofunctional exercises strengthen tongue and throat muscles. This non-invasive therapy helps maintain an open airway and reduce sleep apnea severity.
When More Is Needed: Medical and Surgical Options
While orthodontic care plays a key role, complex cases may require collaboration with sleep specialists. Options include:
- CPAP machines: The gold-standard for severe OSA, delivering continuous airflow during sleep .
- Surgical procedures: For select patients, options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or hyoid suspension may be considered alongside orthodontic treatments .
- Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: A newer implantable device that electrically stimulates the tongue muscles in severe, CPAP-intolerant OSA .
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you, or someone you love, is experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, don’t wait. Our team at JT Orthodontics offers:
- A complete airway assessment
- Discusses whether orthodontic treatments could help
- Coordinates with medical professionals for sleep studies and additional care
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Teng today at one of our two convenient locations in El Paso!
