If you’re waking up tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep, it’s easy to blame stress, poor sleep habits, or just getting older. But what if the root cause runs deeper?
For many adults, chronic fatigue is actually tied to something far more structural: the width of your palate.
Let’s break down how a narrow palate can affect your breathing, your sleep quality, and your energy levels, and how a lesser known, specialized treatment called MARPE with Dr. Wall could help.
Why am I always tired?
Feeling tired all the time isn’t normal, and it’s not something you should have to live with. For adults who snore, grind their teeth, wake up with dry mouth or headaches, or experience daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea is often the hidden culprit.
An estimated 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but only 6 million are diagnosed (American Medical Association.)
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. It can lead to poor oxygenation, restless sleep, and increased risk of serious health conditions.
But here’s what many don’t realize about sleep apnea in adults: a narrow upper jaw (or palate) can be a major contributing factor.
The Link Between Palate Width and Airflow
Your palate isn’t just the roof of your mouth; it’s the floor of your nasal passages. If your palate is too narrow, it can physically restrict your airway and make it harder to breathe properly during sleep (and while you’re awake.) This restricted airflow can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, poor oxygen intake, and yes: feeling tired all the time.
Common narrow palate symptoms in adults include:
- Chronic fatigue or brain fog
- Snoring or disrupted sleep
- Mouth breathing or dry mouth
- Frequent headaches or jaw tension
- Clenching and grinding
- Underdeveloped or crowded dental arches
- Underdeveloped or “weak” jaw
- Imbalanced facial appearance
What is MARPE treatment and how can it help?
If you’re dealing with a narrow palate as an adult, you might’ve been told there’s nothing that can be done, or that jaw surgery is the only option.
That’s not the case anymore.
MARPE treatment for adults is a breakthrough orthodontic technique that gently and effectively widens the upper jaw, even after the growth plates have fused. This isn’t just cosmetic; it can be life-changing.
By expanding the palate, MARPE creates more space in your nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing airway obstructions. That means better sleep, better breathing, and more energy throughout the day.
At Wall Orthodontics, Dr. Wall is highly experienced in providing innovative solutions and bringing a truly comprehensive approach to care. We go deeper to treat the source of orthodontic issues, not just the cosmetic symptom.
Can MARPE really treat sleep apnea?
While not a cure for all cases of sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea with MARPE has helped many adult patients significantly reduce their symptoms. Especially when collaborating with medical professionals, such as ENT specialists, sleep physicians, or myofunctional therapists.
By improving the structural foundation of the airway, MARPE treatment:
- Enhances airflow through the nose
- Reduces nighttime mouth breathing
- Supports better tongue posture
- Helps the body enter deeper stages of sleep
A Non-Surgical Approach
You’ll be happy to know that MARPE is a non-surgical treatment! If you’ve been told that jaw surgery is your only option, MARPE with Dr. Wall may be a game-changing alternative.
The appliance is secured to the roof of your mouth using TADs (temporary anchorage devices) — small, biocompatible screws that Dr. Wall places with precision and care.
Once in place, you’ll gently ‘activate’ these expansion devices which gradually widens the upper jaw over time, improving airway space and symmetry, all without the need for invasive surgery or long recovery periods.
Still waking up tired all the time?
You deserve to feel rested. If you’re tired all the time, experiencing narrow palate symptoms, searching for an orthodontist in Statesboro, GA who specializes in sleep-focused care, or you simply aren’t sure where to turn to for relief, we’re here for you.
A complimentary consultation with Dr. Wall could be the first step to unlocking better sleep, better health, and a better life.
Book your complimentary consultation, and let’s see what we can do for your smile!
