Braces play a major role in improving oral health and achieving a confident smile, but if you have just started treatment, you might be wondering how those brackets and wires will affect your sleep. Whether you are a parent navigating your child’s orthodontic journey or an adult undergoing treatment yourself, understanding the relationship between braces and sleep can help you rest easier—literally.
Below, we explore the temporary effects of braces on sleep, strategies for managing discomfort, and how orthodontic treatment can ultimately improve your rest.
Initial Discomfort: The First Few Nights Can Be Uncomfortable
During the first few days after getting braces put on or having them adjusted, it is common to experience some soreness and pressure. This discomfort can make falling asleep a bit more challenging, especially for younger children who are not used to this sensation.
Common Sleep Disruptors:
- Soreness and discomfort as the teeth shift and adjust
- Irritation on the lips or cheeks from brackets or wires
- Pressure or tightness around the jaw area
- A noticeable awareness of the appliance in your mouth
For most patients, these symptoms typically subside within a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers (used as directed by your orthodontist), orthodontic wax, and warm saltwater rinses can help ease discomfort and support better sleep.
Can Braces Affect Sleep Quality Long-Term?
Although the adjustment period can cause some discomfort, braces typically do not affect sleep long-term. In fact, orthodontic treatment can often improve sleep quality by correcting bite and jaw alignment issues that may interfere with breathing.
Braces Can Help With:
- Sleep-disordered breathing: Improper jaw alignment may restrict the airway, contributing to snoring or mouth breathing. Braces or other orthodontic treatments can help correct this by widening the dental arches and aligning the jaw for better airflow.
- Mouth breathing: Crowded teeth or crossbites can sometimes cause chronic mouth breathing, leading to dry mouth and disrupted sleep. Orthodontic treatment can correct these alignment issues and help improve breathing and rest.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): Misaligned bites, or malocclusions, may increase teeth grinding at night, leading to jaw discomfort and interrupted sleep. Correcting the bite through orthodontic treatment can help minimize grinding and its impact.
If your orthodontist notices potential airway issues, such as sleep apnea or jaw-related breathing problems, they may refer you to a sleep specialist or work with your pediatrician or ENT to ensure proper care.
Tips for Sleeping Comfortably With Braces
Here are a few orthodontist-approved ways to make bedtime more comfortable while undergoing treatment:
1. Use Orthodontic Wax
Apply orthodontic wax to any brackets or wires that are irritating your cheeks or lips. This helps create a smooth surface and reduces rubbing while you sleep.
2. Adjust Your Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your back can help reduce pressure on your jaw and braces. If your mouth feels sore, avoid pressing your face against a pillow.
3. Stay on Top of Pain Management
To help manage discomfort during the first few nights after getting braces put on or adjustments, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen before bed (if appropriate for your age and health).
4. Follow a Relaxing Nighttime Routine
A warm shower, soft music, and limiting screen time before bed can help you relax, even if your braces are causing some discomfort.
5. Choose the Right Pillow
Orthodontic patients with headgear or jaw appliances might benefit from pillows designed to support the neck and jaw.
Braces May Lead to Better Sleep Over Time
While braces can temporarily affect sleep, they can also correct structural issues that have quietly disrupted your rest for years. Malocclusions, mouth breathing, and poor jaw alignment can all affect the quality of your sleep, especially in children and teens whose facial bones are still growing.
With a personalized treatment plan from Tebo Orthodontics, your orthodontic care can improve both your oral health and your quality of life—including how well you sleep.
Ready to Sleep Better and Smile Brighter?
If you or your child is starting orthodontic treatment and has questions about sleep, discomfort, or airway concerns, the team at Tebo Orthodontics is here to help. Schedule a consultation with us today to explore how orthodontics can support your overall well-being, both day and night.
