Can Orthodontics Help Me Breathe Better?

Orthodontics can help you straighten your teeth and align your jaw, and these benefits alone can give you plenty of reasons to smile. What people don’t always talk about, though, is that orthodontics can actively make space in your mouth that allows you to breathe a bit better. So, whether you’re struggling with snoring at night or wheezing during the day, we’ll look at how orthodontics in Solon, OH can correct your breathing issues.

How It Works

The teeth, gums, and jaw all impact how air flows in and out of your body. If you’re dealing with severe misalignment, it can impact both your mouth and nasal passages. This can lead to anything from sleep apnea to general labored breathing throughout the day.

The most common way to improve your airflow is to either expand the upper jaw or to push the lower jaw slightly forward. This can help you align both the teeth and bite, which is essential for natural and easy breathing.

What Is Airway-Focused Orthodontics?

All orthodontists can tell you the general facts about how your airway will be improved by braces or clear aligners. An airway-focused orthodontist, though, will specialize in your body’s breathing structures and invest in the technology that allows them to see your exact breathing patterns. So, if you happen to have a complicated case, it might help to see a specialist.

Why Treat Your Breathing Issues

It’s easy to get accustomed to your circumstances, and this is true even if your airway impedes your breath. Unless you have a partner or family member who’s constantly after you to take action, you may not even think about it. But consider that sleep apnea is an extremely taxing condition for millions of people, and it can lead to anything from heart disease to stress.

If you want to learn more about airway-focused orthodontics in Solon, OH, the staff at DHP Dental can help you learn more about how we evaluate each patient according to their individual needs and goals. Whether breathing is your biggest priority or not, our team is here to give you the facts so you can make better decisions for your long-term oral (and general) health.