Braces and Heartbeat: Understanding the Influence of Jaw Movements on Heart Health

Braces, while an effective solution for aligning teeth and improving bite, can have indirect effects on overall health, particularly on the heart and respiration system. This is due to their impact on airway size, which can have ramifications for sleep quality and directly affect heart function. As such, it is crucial to understand how these orthodontic treatments can influence cardiovascular health.

The Impact of Braces on Airway Size and Function

Orthodontic treatment using braces can affect airway size, reducing the space available for airflow during breathing. This reduction can have significant implications on both respiratory health and overall cardiovascular performance. Studies have shown that this change in airway size can precipitate conditions such as sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia - a condition where the body’s tissues and organs are deprived of adequate oxygen.

This link is further substantiated by multiple research articles. For instance, Bhatia et al., in their study published in the Journal of the Medical Journal of Armed Forces India, demonstrated that retraction of anterior teeth can affect the position of the hyoid bone and pharyngeal airway, thereby reducing airway size. Similarly, Chen et al. in Angle Orthodontics explored the effects of large incisor retraction on upper airway morphology in patients with bimaxillary protrusion and concluded that such retraction can lead to narrower pharyngeal airways.

Link Between Airway Changes and Sleep Apnea

The reduction in airway size due to braces can indeed contribute to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and heart failure. It is well-documented that sleep apnea can lead to repetitive periods of insufficient blood oxygenation, which can strain the heart and lead to arrhythmias and other cardiovascular issues. This hypothesis is supported by multiple studies, such as those by Hang et al. and Hu et al., both of which highlight the risk of sleep apnea associated with changes in airway dimensions due to orthodontic treatment.

Effects on Heart Function

The relationship between airway size, sleep apnea, and heartbeat is multifaceted. Apneic episodes caused by sleep apnea can result in sleep disturbances and end up causing the interruption of regular breathing. This can lead to a significant increase in cardiovascular stress and, eventually, alterations in heart function. During apnic events, the heart must work harder to compensate for the lack of oxygen, which can lead to changes in heart rate and rhythm.

Choi et al.'s systematic review on airway changes after first premolar extraction further supports this connection. Their study showed that such extractions/retraction can lead to a reduction in the dimension of the pharyngeal airway, altering the positioning of the tongue and reducing the oral cavity space. These changes can predispose patients to sleep apnea and subsequently affect heart health.

Conclusion

While braces are an essential tool in orthodontics, they should be compensated with the knowledge that there can be indirect cardiovascular effects. Sleep apnea, caused by airway reduction, can lead to intermittent hypoxia, which is detrimental to heart health. Thus, individuals undergoing orthodontic treatments should be aware of these potential side effects and consider regular follow-ups with their healthcare providers to monitor for any signs of sleep apnea.

Further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term cardiovascular consequences of orthodontic treatments, particularly in relation to airway size and sleep apnea. Nevertheless, current evidence emphasizes the importance of monitoring heart health closely in patients undergoing jaw treatments with braces to ensure overall well-being.

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Last Updated: June 2023