Skip to content 
Sleep should be restorative and energizing. But if you or your child wakes up tired, snores loudly, or struggles with focus during the day, sleep apnea may be the cause—and orthodontic treatment might be the solution you didn’t expect.
While many people associate sleep apnea with CPAP machines and sleep studies, fewer realize the role that jaw structure, bite alignment, and oral development play in how we breathe at night. If you're exploring alternatives to CPAP or looking for a more permanent solution, finding the right sleep apnea orthodontist in New Jersey is an important step toward better sleep, improved health, and a higher quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea—and Why Does It Matter?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. These interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night, briefly cutting off oxygen to the brain and causing the person to wake up—often without realizing it. Over time, this fragmented sleep can affect every aspect of your health.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
- Difficulty staying asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings, irritability, or depression
Left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even memory loss. In children, it may also contribute to developmental delays, behavioral issues, and learning difficulties.
How Can Orthodontists Help Treat Sleep Apnea?
Orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s about the relationship between your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway. An orthodontist trained in airway-focused care can evaluate whether structural issues in the mouth or jaws are contributing to restricted breathing during sleep.
In many cases, orthodontic treatment can reduce or eliminate the need for CPAP therapy by correcting the root cause of airway obstruction—whether that’s a narrow upper jaw, poor tongue posture, or misaligned bite.
Orthodontic Treatments That May Help Sleep Apnea
Orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea varies depending on age, severity, and jaw development. The most effective options target the structural elements contributing to airway collapse during sleep.
MARPE (Minimally Invasive Rapid Palatal Expansion)
MARPE is one of the most advanced, non-surgical techniques for widening the upper jaw in older teens and adults. This gentle yet powerful approach uses mini-implants (TADs) to anchor a palate expander directly to the bone, gradually increasing space in the upper jaw—and improving nasal airflow.
Benefits of MARPE for sleep apnea include:
- Increases space in the nasal and oral airway
- Reduces airway resistance and nighttime breathing disruptions
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive
- Often improves symptoms of snoring, fatigue, and sleep apnea
Braces or Invisalign
In patients with bite issues like overbites, underbites, or narrow dental arches, orthodontic alignment can help open up the airway and support proper breathing mechanics. Aligning the teeth and jaws often encourages better tongue posture and lip seal, which are crucial for nasal breathing.
Custom Oral Appliances
For mild to moderate cases, orthodontists may create custom oral appliances that reposition the lower jaw or tongue to maintain an open airway while you sleep. These devices are comfortable, discreet, and can be an alternative to CPAP therapy.
Myofunctional Therapy
In combination with orthodontics, some patients benefit from orofacial muscle therapy that strengthens the tongue, lips, and cheeks to improve breathing function. Myofunctional therapy is especially effective for kids or adults who have difficulty keeping their mouth closed during rest or sleep.
Why It’s Important to Work With a Sleep-Focused Orthodontist
Treating sleep apnea through orthodontics requires specialized training and a deep understanding of airway anatomy. Not every orthodontist is equipped to address sleep-related concerns. That’s why it’s essential to find a provider who uses modern technology, airway diagnostics, and a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Here’s what to look for when searching for a sleep apnea orthodontist in New Jersey:
1. Experience in Airway-Focused Orthodontics
The right provider will have experience treating patients with airway issues, including sleep apnea, snoring, and mouth breathing. They’ll understand how jaw development affects breathing and how to create long-term, non-invasive solutions.
2. Advanced Treatment Options Like MARPE
Look for practices offering modern alternatives to surgery or CPAP, including MARPE and digital airway analysis. These treatments can provide major relief for patients with structurally narrow palates or small jaws.
3. Collaborative Care Model
Sleep apnea treatment works best when it’s coordinated with medical professionals such as sleep physicians, ENTs, or pulmonologists. A good sleep-focused orthodontist will work closely with your healthcare team to ensure comprehensive care.
4. Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Tools
Practices that use 3D imaging, cone-beam CT scans, and digital airway assessments can pinpoint exactly where the airway is restricted and monitor changes during treatment.
5. Customized, Whole-Patient Approach
Sleep apnea treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Look for a provider who takes time to understand your sleep habits, medical history, lifestyle, and goals—and offers tailored solutions that work for your life.
Looking for a Sleep Apnea Orthodontist in New Jersey? Choose Bergen Orthodontics.
At Bergen Orthodontics, we don’t just straighten teeth—we help our patients breathe, sleep, and live better. Our team is proud to offer airway-focused orthodontic care that addresses the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing.
Why Bergen Orthodontics Is Different:
- Specialized in MARPE — We offer Minimally Invasive Rapid Palatal Expansion for teens and adults with narrow jaws, helping expand the airway and reduce OSA symptoms.
- Advanced diagnostics — Using 3D airway imaging and digital scans, we evaluate your airway and jaw structure with precision and clarity.
- Personalized care — No two patients are the same. We customize every treatment plan to fit your needs and work toward lasting, meaningful improvements.
- Trusted in the community — We’ve helped countless patients across New Jersey find relief from sleep apnea symptoms without surgery or CPAP.
- Team-focused treatment — We collaborate with local sleep specialists, ENTs, and medical professionals to ensure you get comprehensive care that addresses every angle of your condition.
Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep
Sleep apnea doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re tired of snoring, fatigue, and restless nights—and you’re ready to explore a more natural, long-term solution—schedule a consultation with Bergen Orthodontics today.
Serving patients across New Jersey, Bergen Orthodontics is your local expert in airway-centered orthodontic care. Let us help you breathe better, sleep soundly, and wake up refreshed.
