Sometimes when patients get braces to fix a crooked smile, we find that it’s not their teeth that’s the initial cause of their problem. Following an initial consultation and routine x-rays of the mouth and jaw, it's not uncommon to discover an underlying medical issue. Sinus-related problems (such as stuffy noses or breathing difficulties) are a prime example of this.

If your sinuses don’t function correctly as a child, it can cause other bone structures in your face — such as the teeth and jaw — to develop abnormally. The good news is that most of the time, these conditions are easily treated by a qualified Orthodontist.

What causes sinus related problems?

Some people are born with extremely narrow nasal passages. When the airways are so constricted, the sinuses can become easily congested with mucus ― and that makes it difficult to breathe.

Allergies are another culprit of sinus-related problems. Dust, smoke, pets and certain foods are all known to trigger allergic reactions in children and adults ― and as a result the lining of the nasal passage can swell and block the flow of air.

Other reasons for sinus issues include deviated septum and enlarged tonsils. Whatever the cause, these conditions will be picked up by your Orthodontist through x-rays and impressions made of the mouth and jaw.

The long term effects of a sinus problem

Most people wouldn’t consider a blocked nose to be a big deal. However, they might be shocked by the sheer number of issues that a chronic sinus-related problem can create throughout other parts of the body. This is primarily due to the fact that a stuffy nose discourages people from breathing through their nasal passage, and causes them to use their mouths instead.

Over time, mouth breathing can lead to:

• neck, shoulder and back pain due to craning the head forwards while breathing;
• headaches and migraines associated with poor posture;
• teeth developing in the incorrect position (often requiring treatment with braces);
• uneven bite (such as overbite, underbite and crossbite);
• mechanical problems of the jaw;
• difficulty swallowing;
• speech impediments;
• dry mouth due to continual airflow, which increases the risk of dental decay;
• lack of protection from allergens and infectious particles in the air (these are normally filtered out through the nostrils, but when inhaling air directly through the mouth there is no defence from them);
• ongoing swelling of the tonsils and adenoids;
• snoring and sleep apnea;
• dark circles under eyes;
• bad breath;
• middle ear infections;
• fatigue (as less oxygen is taken into the lungs); and,
• bed wetting.

Mouth breathing can also affect the way a person looks — particularly while they’re still growing. Often, sufferers will appear as though their gums and lower jaws protrude, because over many years of habitual mouth breathing the bones of the face have grown deformed.

While the long-term effects of chronic sinus problems seems exhaustive, there’s no need to freak out! There are plenty of treatment options available.

Where braces can help

If your orthodontist suspects that you are suffering from a sinus condition that is unrelated to the alignment of your teeth, you may be referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. For the majority of cases, orthodontic treatment is not the solution to a stuffy nose. However, by coming in for a consultation with your orthodontist, your teeth and jaw can be checked for any underlying concerns that are causing you pain, discomfort or issues in your appearance.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be appropriate to correct some of the long-term consequences of a sinus issue, such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.

If you’re experiencing trouble with your sinuses, teeth or jaw but are not sure what the cause is, your orthodontist can steer you in the right direction for treatment. Book now for a consultation with our experienced orthodontist Dr Anthony Pistolese at Inner West Orthodontics today — and get on your way to breathing easy.