Is it difficult to breathe through your nose? Do you often wake up feeling tired, despite getting a full night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with breathing issues, particularly when it comes to nasal breathing. However, the culprit may not be what you think. The jaw’s position and development could be the root of the problem, and a treatment called epigenetic orthodontics can help people breathe better and feel more rested.
What is Epigenetic Orthodontics?
Epigenetic orthodontics is a holistic approach to orthodontic treatment that focuses on optimizing the growth and development of the jaw and airway. This approach recognizes that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of the jaw and airway, but also acknowledges the impact of environmental factors such as diet, breathing habits, and posture.
Epigenetic orthodontics uses a range of techniques and appliances to encourage the jaw and airway to grow in a more optimal way, promoting proper facial development and breathing. This approach emphasizes the importance of proper breathing and recognizes that breathing through the nose is critical to optimal facial growth and development.
Improved Breathing
A more optimally positioned jaw can improve breathing by opening and protecting the airway. In contrast, poor alignment or bad bite can lead to a narrow or constricted airway which is synonymous with a wide range of health problems. Some of these problems include:
- Sleep apnea
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Shortness of breath
The epigenetic approach to orthodontics promotes optimal facial development and airway growth.These kinds of treatments not only reduce the risk of breathing problems, but they also enhance breathing both during sleep and awake activities.
How?
One of the key components of epigenetic orthodontics is the use of oral appliances. These appliances encourage proper facial development and airway growth by gently expanding the jaw and palate both laterally and forward, promoting proper nasal breathing and reducing the risk of airway obstruction. Additionally, oral appliance treatments can also improve breathing by addressing issues such as tongue-tie or other oral restrictions that can contribute to breathing problems.
Other Benefits of Epigenetic Orthodontics
Due to its emphasis on proper facial development, epigenetic orthodontics can also provide a range of other benefits, such as:
- Overall improvement in facial aesthetics
- Reduced the risk of issues such as TMJ disorders or other jaw-related problems
- Reduced the risk of sleep-related problems such as sleep apnea, which has been linked to a range of health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
Finally, because epigenetic orthodontics provides a more holistic approach to orthodontic treatment, such as recognizing the importance of diet, breathing habits, and other environmental factors, it can also lead to more environmental and emotional awareness as well as more health-conscious eating.
Schedule a Consultation
By promoting proper facial development and airway growth, epigenetic orthodontics can reduce the risk of sleep-related problems, improve facial aesthetics, and provide a more holistic approach to orthodontic treatment. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of epigenetic orthodontics for yourself or your child, schedule a consultation by calling our office at 425-361-7499.
