Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects millions of people across the United States, disrupting their sleep and negatively impacting their overall health. While treatments like CPAP machines or lifestyle changes are the most common treatments for the disorder, orthodontic treatment can also play a role in addressing your condition. But how exactly do braces help with sleep apnea, and who can benefit from this approach?

In this blog, we’ll help you understand what sleep apnea is and whether orthodontic treatment is a good option for relieving symptoms. 

What is Sleep Apnea? 

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that results in your breathing repeatedly starting and stopping. Many people who experience this disorder discover it as a result of their frequent snoring. There are a few different types of the disorder, including: 

• Obstructive (OSA): This most common form of the disorder occurs when the muscles in your throat relax and block airflow into your lungs. 
• Central (CSA): With this, your brain doesn’t send the appropriate signals to the muscles in control of your breathing. 
• Treatment-Emergent Central: This occurs when OSA converts to CSA after receiving therapy for OSA. 

There are several symptoms you may experience if you have sleep apnea, including: 

• Loud snoring
• Headaches in the morning
• Gasping for breath in your sleep
• Insomnia
• Irritability

In more extreme cases, it can result in heart strain and increased blood pressure. While you may believe you’re experiencing this disorder, it is essential that you seek an official diagnosis from your healthcare provider. With this treatment, you can begin crafting an appropriate treatment plan. 

Sleep Apnea and Orthodontics

Although sleep apnea has a negative impact on your sleep and comfort throughout the day, it may also have an impact on your oral health. Many individuals experiencing the disorder sleep with their mouths open. Sleeping with your mouth open can increase your risk of developing cavities and gum disease, bruxism, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). 

If you are dealing with this sleep disorder, there are several treatments you may consider. But, one treatment you might not think about is orthodontics. While this might seem like an odd treatment to seek for a sleep disorder, it can make a major difference in your oral health, sleep, and overall comfort.

While the problem is most often related to your throat muscles, your doctor may find that the position of your tongue and teeth impacts your ability to breathe. In cases where it is related to your teeth, you may want to consider getting braces, Invisalign, or other oral devices that can hold your jaw in a better position while you sleep. 

Orthodontic treatment can help by addressing misaligned teeth or a poorly positioned jaw, which may contribute to airway obstruction during sleep. Correcting these issues enhances your ability to breathe more freely at night and reduces the risk of complications associated with sleep apnea, such as daytime fatigue and cardiovascular strain. 

Additionally, orthodontic solutions can improve the alignment of your bite, alleviating discomfort and preventing excessive wear on your teeth. Discussing your options with both your doctor and orthodontist is essential for finding the best treatment plan for your needs.

How Long Will You Need to Wear Your Orthodontic Device? 

Your treatment length for your orthodontic device will vary depending on the severity of your condition, the type of device used, and your specific treatment plan. For many patients, oral appliances are worn nightly for as long as treatment is needed, which could be several months to several years. 

These devices are often a long-term solution, particularly if they effectively alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality. If braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatments are recommended to address structural issues contributing to sleep apnea, the treatment timeline typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. 

After treatment, you may need to wear a retainer to maintain the corrected alignment and ensure lasting results. If you are considering orthodontic treatment to treat your sleep apnea, it is best to reach out to your orthodontic team for support. They will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and timeline to ensure you can breathe easier. 

Achieve Comfort with Bailey Orthodontics

Sleep apnea can significantly impact your comfort throughout the night, but with the help of our team at Bailey Orthodontics, you can find relief. Our team provides patients across Northern Utah with the most reliable orthodontic treatment. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign, we’re confident we have an orthodontic solution best for your smile.

In addition to our expert treatments, our team provides patients with excellent online resources and regular in-office support. If you ever have any questions, our team is always available to help. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss your orthodontic options to treat sleep apnea or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Orthodontic treatment is a great way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. However, no matter what orthodontic device you wear, your journey to a perfect smile can sometimes be uncomfortable. One of the most common challenges orthodontic patients face during orthodontic treatment is tooth and gum sensitivity. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of sensitivity and provide tips to keep you comfortable throughout your orthodontic journey. 

Understanding the Cause of Tooth and Gum Sensitivity

To understand your tooth and gum sensitivity, knowing why you might experience it is important. Some of the most common reasons why sensitivity may occur during orthodontic treatment include: 

Pressure from Moving Teeth

When your braces or clear aligners exert pressure to move your teeth into the appropriate position, the surrounding tissues, ligaments, and nerves may become inflamed or irritated. This pressure can result in temporary sensitivity, especially immediately following an adjustment or when switching to a new set of aligners. 

Gum Irritation

Your brackets, wires, and aligners may rub against your gums, leading to irritation, swelling, and sensitivity. In some cases, gums may recede slightly, exposing the roots of our teeth, which are more sensitive to temperature changes of touch. This gum recession is most common when your teeth shift into a new position. 

Oral Hygiene Challenges

Maintaining proper oral hygiene with braces can be more challenging due to the brackets and wires obstructing easy cleaning. If plaque and food particles build up around your braces, it can lead to gum inflammation or the development of gum disease, contributing to increased gum sensitivity. 

Enamel Wear and Exposed Dentin

Some orthodontic treatments can lead to enamel wear, exposing the dentin underneath. This enamel wear is also common when your orthodontist removes your orthodontic device. Dentin contains tiny channels that lead to the nerves in your teeth, making them far more sensitive to hot and cold foods, beverages, and sweets. 

Temporary Bite Change

As your teeth move, your bite can change, sometimes causing certain teeth to experience more pressure than others. This uneven pressure may contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. However, as you go through your treatment plan and your teeth settle into their appropriate position, this sensitivity should become less prevalent. 

Practical Ways to Treat Tooth and Gum Sensitivity

While this tooth and gum sensitivity is to be expected, that doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable. There are several effective ways to manage and alleviate your tooth and gum sensitivity during orthodontic treatment, including the following: 

Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

If you experience tooth and gum sensitivity during orthodontic treatment, you might want to switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Desensitizing toothpastes contain active ingredients like potassium nitrate or sodium fluoride, which help block pain signals from the nerves in your teeth. Using these toothpastes regularly can relieve sensitivity and protect your enamel. It is important that you use this toothpaste consistently to find relief. It may take up to two weeks to notice significant improvement. 

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can prevent gum inflammation and plaque buildup, which may cause tooth and gum sensitivity. Remember to brush your teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around your brackets, wires, and aligners. Use interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas around your braces. Finally, floss daily using orthodontic flossers or a water flosser to remove any remaining food particles and bacteria. 

Rinse with a Fluoride Mouthwash

In addition to brushing and flossing after each meal, it is important that you use a fluoride mouthwash to reduce tooth and gum sensitivity. These products are designed to strengthen your enamel, reducing overall sensitivity. When looking for a mouth rinse, it is important that you choose a product specifically formulated for sensitive teeth and rinse once or twice daily to protect against cavities and enamel erosion. 

Apply Orthodontic Wax

If your brackets or wires are irritating your gums, orthodontic wax can create a protective barrier. Apply a small piece of wax over the area causing discomfort. This can help reduce friction and prevent gum irritation. If this area is a frequent cause of discomfort or you believe you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, you may want to tell your orthodontist during your next appointment. They can check your wires and brackets to ensure everything is in place. 

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

For temporary relief from tooth and gum sensitivity, you can take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. This pain medication can be especially beneficial immediately following an adjustment when your braces are most likely to cause some immediate discomfort. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and consult your orthodontist if you have any concerns about medication use. 

Saltwater Rinse for Gum Relief

A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce gum sensitivity and inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. This natural remedy can soothe sensitive gums and promote healing. Another benefit of saltwater rinses is that you can do this several times throughout the day, relieving your discomfort whenever you experience it. 

When to See Your Orthodontist

Although you can expect mild sensitivity during orthodontic treatment, you should never ignore severe or persistent discomfort. If your sensitivity doesn’t improve with at-home remedies, or if you’re experiencing sharp pain, bleeding gums, or swelling, it is in your best interest to reach out to your orthodontist for support. During your check-up, they can check for issues, including: 

• Loose brackets or wires
• Gum disease or infection
• Excessive enamel wear
• Misalignment causing pressure

Your orthodontist may recommend adjustments, professional cleanings, or additional treatments to alleviate discomfort. Regardless of their recommendations, it is important to remember that they always have your best interest in mind. 

Compassionate Orthodontic Care in Northern Utah

Tooth and gum sensitivity during orthodontic treatment can be a temporary inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your life. If you’re looking for a compassionate orthodontic team in the Farmington or Bountiful area to help you through this journey, turn to our team at Bailey Orthodontics. For years, we’ve provided comprehensive care to patients across the Wasatch Front, and we’re confident we can do the same for you. Whether you’re just starting this journey or need help handling tooth and gum sensitivity, we’re here to help every step of the way. 

If you would like more information about our orthodontic services or you would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Orthodontics has a fascinating history that spans centuries. While you might not know it, the desire to straighten a person’s teeth reaches as far back as 1000 BCE. From rudimentary methods to today’s advanced technologies, orthodontic devices have evolved to improve oral health and aesthetics.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what orthodontics looked like in its earliest stages and how this care evolved into today’s orthodontic treatment. 

Ancient Beginnings: Early Attempts at Straightening Teeth

Orthodontic practices date back to ancient civilizations. Archaeologists have found evidence of orthodontic care in the Etruscan civilization. Around 1000 BCE, these individuals who lived in what is modern-day Italy used gold wires and reinforcing bands to preserve the alignment of teeth in their deceased loved ones. 

Similarly, some ancient Egyptian mummies have been found with metal bands wrapped around their teeth. This use of orthodontic devices in ancient Egypt is known as one of the earliest attempts to maintain dental alignment. Some ancient Greek philosophers, including Hippocrates and Aristotle, wrote about methods to address tooth and jaw irregularities as early as 400 BCE. 

While these early orthodontic devices, including wires, posts, and mouthguards, were not sophisticated, they laid the groundwork for future advancements. With these devices laid out before them, future orthodontic professionals began to craft devices that helped shape the smiles of millions of people around the world. 

The Birth of Modern Orthodontics: 18th and 19th Centuries

Major changes began to take place in orthodontics in the 18th century. In 1728, Pierre Fauchard, who is often referred to as the father of modern dentistry, designed the bandeau, one of the earliest orthodontic devices in recent history. This horseshoe-shaped metal appliance expanded the arch and aligned teeth. 

While this wasn’t the most advanced orthodontic device, it was a monumental step forward in dental science. By the 19th century, Christophe-François Delabarre created the wire crib. Introduced to dental patients in 1819, this device is considered the framework of today’s modern braces. 

As we reached the late 1800s, Edward Harley Angel would further advance the field of orthodontics. During his work, he established a classification system for malocclusions (misaligned teeth) and invented various appliances to correct these issues, solidifying the foundation of contemporary orthodontic devices.

20th Century Innovations: The Rise of Braces

In the 20th century, orthodontics began to transform into a field that treated tooth misalignment and jaw problems with more advanced technological devices. In the early 1900s, orthodontists began using orthodontic devices like stainless steel wires and brackets in place of the gold and silver predecessors. With this change, treatment became more affordable and effective.

The 1970s saw the development of direct bonding, where brackets were glued directly onto teeth using dental adhesive. This innovation eliminated the need for bulky metal bands around each tooth, making braces more comfortable and less noticeable. Around the same time, clear and ceramic brackets were introduced, providing patients with aesthetic options.

The Digital Revolution: Aligners and Beyond

The industry stayed relatively the same for several decades. However, as we entered the 1990s, orthodontic care entered a new era. At this point, clear aligners were created. While patients didn’t use these products until the end of the decade, Invisalign was introduced to the public in 1997. 

These virtually invisible, removable trays provided a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces, revolutionizing the patient experience. Today, orthodontics benefits from digital imaging, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence. Orthodontists can design customized treatment plans with precision, using tools like virtual simulations to show patients the expected outcomes before treatment begins.

Orthodontic Devices for Every Patient at Bailey Orthodontics

The history of orthodontic devices showcases humanity’s ingenuity and desire to improve oral health and aesthetics. These devices have come a long way, from ancient gold wires to high-tech clear aligners, making orthodontic care accessible, efficient, and effective. As technology continues to evolve, the future of orthodontics holds exciting possibilities for even greater patient comfort and satisfaction.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, turn to our team at Bailey Orthodontics for support. Whether traditional metal braces are the right fit for you or you love the appearance of clear aligners, we’re confident that our team has the perfect orthodontic devices for you. With our help, you can trust that we’re ready to transform your smile.

In addition to our amazing orthodontic devices, our team is always ready to help answer any questions you may have. With our blogs, online resources, and FAQ page, you can trust that you can make it smoothly through your orthodontic process. No matter what question you have, our team of experts will always have an answer for you.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment to work with our expert team in Bountiful or Farmington, don’t hesitate to contact us today.