How many times have you been sleeping soundly only to be suddenly woken up by your partner’s or your own snoring? Not only can the sound of snoring be quite irritating and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep, but it can also be a sign that air isn’t getting through your nose or mouth properly.
While snoring can be caused by a number of factors, in some cases, your teeth can be the culprit, and orthodontic treatment can help.
How Braces Can Improve Snoring
Misalignment Can Cause Snoring
If your teeth are too in the position they should be, air may not be able to pass through your mouth as easily as it would be if your smile was in place. Teeth that are angled inward or outward can block air, causing you to not get enough oxygen as you sleep. In some cases, misaligned or overcrowded teeth can even cause sleep apnea.
Braces Can Create Space for Air
If your smile ends up being the reason you or your loved one snore, braces can help, By gently and gradually moving your teeth back into the place they should be, you can open up areas in your mouth for air to easily pass through.
If you experience overcrowding, your orthodontist may suggest a palate expander to allow move space in the center of your mouth. And in some cases, if your jaw is the cause of your snoring or sleep apnea, a splint may be used to improve alignment.