Can Invisalign® Help with Sleep Apnea?

When people think of Invisalign®, they typically associate it with straightening teeth. However, Invisalign may also play a role in improving sleep quality for certain individuals with sleep apnea. If you struggle with snoring or interrupted sleep due to airway obstruction, you may be wondering if clear aligners could be a solution. That’s why we recommend booking a consultation with our Invisalign orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA.

In the meantime, we’ll explore how Invisalign clear aligners can help with sleep apnea, who may benefit from this treatment, and what to expect from the process.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively, leading to airway blockage. This can cause loud snoring, gasping for air, daytime fatigue, and other health risks such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Traditional treatments for sleep apnea include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw. However, some patients may also find relief through orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign.

How Invisalign Can Help with Sleep Apnea

Watch Heather’s story to learn how Invisalign can help improve your airway health.

While Invisalign is not a direct treatment for sleep apnea, it can help in cases where dental misalignment contributes to airway obstruction.

Here’s how:

Jaw and Bite Alignment – Misaligned teeth and improper bite positioning can narrow the airway. Invisalign gradually moves teeth into a more optimal position, which may help open up the airway and improve airflow during sleep.

Expansion of the Dental Arch – Some patients with narrow dental arches may experience airway restriction. Invisalign aligners can help create more space in the mouth, potentially reducing airway collapse during sleep.

Reducing Tongue Obstruction – If teeth are crowded or misaligned, the tongue may not have enough room to rest properly. This can cause it to fall back into the throat, contributing to airway blockage. By correcting the alignment of the teeth, Invisalign may help provide more space for the tongue, reducing sleep apnea symptoms.

Encouraging Proper Jaw Positioning – Certain cases of sleep apnea are linked to jaw positioning. When the lower jaw is positioned too far back, it can push the tongue backward, restricting airflow. Invisalign may help reposition the jaw slightly forward, which can alleviate airway obstruction.

Who May Benefit from Invisalign for Sleep Apnea?

Not all sleep apnea patients will benefit from Invisalign.

However, it may be helpful for those who:

Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw or dental misalignment
Experience snoring due to poor oral alignment
Have a narrow dental arch or crowded teeth that restrict tongue space
Prefer a less invasive option compared to CPAP therapy or surgery

If you have severe sleep apnea, Invisalign alone is unlikely to be sufficient. A sleep study and consultation with a sleep specialist are recommended to determine the best treatment approach.

What to Expect from Treatment

If you are considering Invisalign for sleep apnea, our orthodontist will evaluate your bite and airway structure. Treatment typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, with patients wearing aligners for 20-22 hours per day. While Invisalign may not replace a CPAP machine for all patients, it could improve breathing and reduce symptoms when used in conjunction with other treatments.

Recap

Invisalign treatment is primarily designed for straightening teeth, but it may also provide benefits for individuals with sleep apnea related to dental misalignment. If you suspect that your teeth or jaw position contribute to your sleep issues, consult with our orthodontist to see if Invisalign could be a suitable option. With the right treatment plan, you may not only achieve a straighter smile but also enjoy better sleep and improved overall health.

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation

Ready to take the next step and improve your quality of sleep? Dr. John Mergen is proud to serve as your trusted Invisalign orthodontist in Iowa City and Coralville, IA. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, please contact Mergen Orthodontics today!