Snoring louder than a tractor pulling into the Arnold Farmers Market isn’t just annoying — it could be a sign of something far more serious! Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can have long-term effects on your health. McDermott Orthodontics and Dr. Richard McDermott are here to break down how your teeth, jaw, and airway are all connected — and why that connection matters when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea — And Why Should I Care?
Sleep apnea isn’t just a fancy term doctors throw around — it’s an actual condition affecting countless folks right here in Arnold, Florissant, and beyond. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the airway gets blocked during sleep, cutting off the flow of air. The brain panics, wakes you up just enough to clear the airway, and the cycle repeats — sometimes dozens of times a night.
If you’ve ever been nudged awake by a frustrated partner or woken up feeling like you barely slept, sleep apnea could be playing a role. Symptoms often include:
- Loud snoring (the kind your neighbors might hear through the walls)
- Gasping for air or choking during sleep
- Daytime exhaustion, even after a full night in bed
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
While sleep apnea can feel like a nighttime problem, its effects ripple into daytime health — but there’s good news! The following section takes a closer look at how your teeth and jaw might be adding to the problem and what Dr. McDermott at McDermott Orthodontics can do about it.
How Your Teeth and Jaw Play a Bigger Role Than You Think
Most people don’t think twice about how their teeth and jaw affect their breathing, but it’s all connected — especially when you’re asleep. The shape of your dental arches, the position of your jaw, and even how much room your tongue has can all influence how freely air moves through your airway.
Some common orthodontic issues that can contribute to this include:
- A narrow upper jaw that leaves less room for air to pass through
- A lower jaw that sits too far back, crowding the airway
- Teeth crowding that shifts everything inward, shrinking the available space
Dr. Richard McDermott often spots these kinds of structural concerns during consultations at McDermott Orthodontics, and in some cases, addressing them can help open the airway. Let’s explore how orthodontic care might help some patients in Arnold and Florissant breathe more efficiently — and sleep better.
How Invisalign, Metal Braces, and Clear Braces Can Play a Role in Better Sleep
Most people in Arnold and Florissant think of orthodontic treatment just as a way to straighten teeth — but it can also create a better environment for breathing. When the upper and lower jaws aren’t quite where they should be, or when teeth are crowded and narrowing the airway, orthodontic care can help open up the space your body needs to breathe more easily — even while you sleep.
Dr. Richard McDermott offers several treatment options at McDermott Orthodontics that could help:
Invisalign
These clear aligners gently move teeth into more ideal positions and can improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together, which may give the tongue more room and reduce airway blockage. For adults in Florissant juggling work, family life, and everything in between, Invisalign’s nearly invisible design makes it a popular option.
Metal Braces
For kids, teens, and adults with more complex bite issues, traditional braces offer precise control to move teeth and jaws into healthier positions over time. That added control can be especially useful when treating cases where a recessed lower jaw contributes to airway problems.
Clear Braces
These offer the same effective tooth movement as metal braces but with ceramic brackets that blend in with natural teeth — a favorite option for patients who want a more subtle look without compromising on results.
While braces and Invisalign aren’t sleep apnea treatments on their own, improving the way your teeth and jaws fit together can play an important part in a broader plan to improve airflow. Up next, let’s talk about who might benefit most from adding orthodontic treatment to their approach for better sleep.
Who Might Benefit Most from Orthodontic Treatment for Better Sleep?
Not everyone with sleep apnea needs orthodontic care, but for some patients in Arnold, Florissant, and nearby neighborhoods, adjusting the position of the teeth and jaws could make breathing at night a whole lot easier. Orthodontic treatment is most helpful for patients whose airway issues are linked to how their jaws developed or how their teeth fit together.
Some of the people who might benefit the most include:
Kids and Teens with Narrow Jaws
Expanding the upper jaw while it’s still developing can create more space for both teeth and air to flow, which can help reduce the risk of airway blockages later in life.
Adults with a Recessed Lower Jaw
When the lower jaw sits too far back, it can push the tongue into the airway. Braces or Invisalign can help bring the jaw into a healthier position, which may ease nighttime breathing.
Patients with Crowded Teeth
When teeth crowd into a smaller space, the dental arches can narrow, limiting airflow. Orthodontic treatment can gradually create more space for both teeth and air to move comfortably.
Dr. Richard McDermott works closely with sleep specialists when orthodontic care is part of the plan, so every patient gets the right combination of treatments for their situation.
Ready to Swap Snoring for Solid Sleep?
If restful nights feel like a thing of the past, your teeth and jaw might be part of the puzzle. Dr. Richard McDermott and the team at McDermott Orthodontics in Arnold and Florissant are here to help patients breathe easier — and sleep better — with personalized orthodontic care. Whether you’re a lifelong snorer or just looking for answers, scheduling a consultation is the first step toward better sleep and brighter mornings. Contact us today and let’s get started!