Orland Park, IL – Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. Patients with sleep apnea often experience loud snoring and persistent fatigue. This condition can significantly affect daily life and is associated with health risks like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Dr. Ayas Makki, an orthodontist in Orland Park, explains, “Sleep apnea is linked to various health issues, including hypertension and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.”

While the standard treatment for sleep apnea involves a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, many find it cumbersome. An alternative is orthodontic treatment, which can offer relief

Your orthodontist can create a custom appliance, similar to a retainer, to help manage sleep apnea. This appliance repositions the lower jaw, tongue, and soft tissues to keep the airway open during sleep.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment may address underlying issues contributing to sleep apnea. For example, if a patient’s dental arches are too narrow or misaligned, it can obstruct airflow. Orthodontic interventions can widen the arches and properly align the jaws and teeth, improving breathing passages.

With approximately 12 million Americans affected by sleep apnea, orthodontic solutions offer a viable alternative to CPAP machines. If you suffer from sleep apnea, contact Dr. Makki at Orland Park Orthodontics today to explore how orthodontics can help. Call 512-215-2520 for more information.