Sleep apnea, in which breathing stops and starts, is a common sleep disorder that manifests as loud snoring, gasping, and morning headaches. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although orthodontists cannot diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea independently, they may be the first medical professionals to recognize symptoms in adults and children.
Your orthodontist is well-positioned to perform an obstructive sleep apnea screening assessment and refer at-risk patients for diagnostic evaluation. If deemed appropriate by your physician, your orthodontist may work closely with your medical team to help manage the disease.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, occur due to the partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. The most common cause of this obstruction is the relaxation of throat muscles.
OSA reduces oxygen flow to the brain and other parts of the body during sleep, leading to frequent awakenings and irregular sleep cycles. As a result, those with OSA often experience daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and a reduced quality of life.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Adults with obstructive sleep apnea often snore, gasp, or choke and may also experience pauses in breathing during sleep. Individuals with OSA often have frequent night awakenings, non-restorative sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty with attention and concentration, and mood disturbances. Additionally, they may find it challenging to manage other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Children with obstructive sleep apnea may snore, experience pauses in breathing, and choke or gasp during sleep. Parents may find the child sleeps in unusual positions, such as having the head hanging off the side of the bed, or notice they feel restless and change sleeping positions frequently. Children with OSA may also have difficulty getting up in the morning and feel extremely tired during the day, impacting daily activities and school work. Those who previously had discontinued daytime napping may resume daily or near-daily naps. In some children, hyperactivity rather than excessive sleepiness may present or may occur.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is generally accepted as the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. The most common form of PAP therapy is known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and is delivered through a mask worn during sleep.
In cases where a physician believes that a patient would benefit from changing the position of the teeth and supporting structures, an AAO orthodontist is the most qualified professional to provide that treatment. In other cases, an orthodontist may prescribe an oral device that keeps the jaw in a favorable position during sleep. These devices keep the throat open by bringing the lower jaw forward or holding the tongue in a different position.
If other treatments are ineffective or undesirable, your doctor may explore surgical options to improve OSA symptoms.
The takeaway
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical disorder that can have many serious consequences if left untreated. It can affect adults and children and can present at any point in one’s lifespan. Your AAO orthodontist can help determine if you would benefit by consulting your physician.
Read the full AAO whitepaper on orthodontics and obstructive sleep apnea.
Trust an AAO orthodontist.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical disorder that can have serious consequences if left untreated. An AAO orthodontist can complete an obstructive sleep apnea screening assessment to help determine if you should visit your physician.
Not only can an orthodontist help you treat sleep apnea, but you can work with an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Find an orthodontist near you and schedule an appointment to screen for OSA today.
