Most people think of orthodontics as the path to a straighter smile. While aligned teeth certainly improve aesthetics and confidence, there’s a powerful and often overlooked benefit of orthodontic care—better sleep and breathing.
At Strouse Orthodontics, we go beyond cosmetic correction. Dr. Eric Strouse evaluates the full airway and facial structure as part of every treatment plan, because we understand that a properly aligned bite doesn’t just look better—it can function better too. From snoring and mouth breathing in children to poor sleep quality in adults, orthodontic treatment can have a meaningful impact on overall health.
The Link Between Your Bite and Your Breathing
The position of your jaws, tongue, and teeth all play a role in how you breathe, especially during sleep. A misaligned bite or narrow upper jaw can contribute to:
- Obstructed airways
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
When the airway is compromised, oxygen intake during sleep decreases. This can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even behavioral issues in children.
Orthodontics isn’t a replacement for a medical diagnosis or a sleep study, but in many cases, it’s a key part of the solution.
Common Orthodontic Issues That Impact Breathing
1. Narrow Palate or Crossbite
A constricted upper jaw limits the space for the tongue and narrows the nasal airway. Expansion techniques—especially when done at the right developmental stage—can widen the upper arch, improve nasal airflow, and allow for healthier breathing patterns.
2. Retrognathic or Underdeveloped Jaws
When the upper or lower jaw sits too far back, it can crowd the airway space and push the tongue into the throat during sleep. Orthodontic treatment can guide jaw growth in children or coordinate with surgery in adults to reposition the jaws for better function.
3. Mouth Breathing
Prolonged mouth breathing often goes hand-in-hand with narrow arches, poor tongue posture, and open bites. This can be corrected with custom orthodontic care, myofunctional therapy referrals, and bite alignment.
How Orthodontics Can Help
At Strouse Orthodontics, we take an airway-conscious approach to every case. We use digital 3D scans to assess more than just the teeth, we look at jaw width, tongue space, and nasal structure. Based on our findings, we may recommend:
- Palatal expansion to open nasal airflow and create room for the tongue
- Clear aligners or custom braces to move teeth and jaws into better positions
- Growth modification appliances for developing children
- Referrals for sleep studies or ENT evaluation, when appropriate
Dr. Strouse has successfully treated patients whose primary concern wasn’t their smile, but their sleep. Whether it’s a child who snores and tosses all night, or an adult struggling with chronic fatigue, a thorough orthodontic evaluation can be a critical step toward better breathing.
It’s About More Than Just Straight Teeth
The goal of orthodontics is a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. But in many cases, correcting alignment and bite issues can also enhance airway health, sleep quality, and long-term wellness.
We believe patients deserve more than just straight teeth—they deserve a treatment plan built around total health and function.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you or your child snores, breathes through the mouth, or struggles with sleep, orthodontic treatment may help. Our team at Strouse Orthodontics will take the time to evaluate your bite, airway, and jaw structure—and give you honest guidance about what’s possible.
Call us at 352-688-0331 or book your complimentary consultation online at www.strouseorthodontics.com
We proudly serve families in Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding areas.