Better Sleep Through Better Smiles: The Orthodontic Connection

Slumber, shut-eye, snooze, rest. Whatever you choose to call it, sleep is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. The reality, however, is that millions of people struggle with poor sleep quality. While many focus on things like screen time or caffeine intake, there’s a lesser-known contributor to sleep problems. It’s your oral health – specifically, the alignment of your teeth and jaw.

The Hidden Link Between Your Smile and Sleep

When teeth are misaligned or jaws positioned incorrectly, your breathing pathway can become compromised. Overbites push the lower jaw backward, potentially narrowing airways. Similarly, underbites alter the natural position of the tongue, which can interfere with normal breathing patterns during sleep. Even crowded teeth can shift tongue posture, affecting how air flows through your mouth and throat while you sleep.

Signs Your Orthodontic Health May Be Affecting Your Sleep

Do you wake up feeling unrested despite getting a full night’s sleep? Maybe you’ve been told you snore loudly, or you experience chronic morning headaches. These could be indicators that your mouth’s structure is impacting your sleep quality. Children with orthodontic issues might show different signs – restlessness during sleep, mouth breathing, or even behavioural issues due to poor sleep quality.

How Orthodontic Treatment Improves Sleep Quality

The good news is that properly aligned teeth and optimal jaw positioning can dramatically improve airflow during sleep. Through targeted orthodontic solutions like braces or clear aligners, we can reposition the jaw and teeth to open airways and reduce obstructions. This often results in reduced snoring, decreased instances of sleep apnoea, and ultimately, more restful sleep.

“The connection between orthodontics and sleep quality is significant but often overlooked. By correcting alignment issues, we’re not just creating beautiful smiles – we’re helping patients breathe better and sleep soundly, which improves their overall health and daily functioning,” says Dr Riaan Foot (Orthodontist).

Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.