Short Answer
The short answer is no. Legally your orthodontist cannot diagnose sleep apnea. Only a medical doctor, that is someone with an MD or DO degree, can legally diagnose you with sleep apnea.
Long Answer
The long answer is that your orthodontist may be qualified to recognize the signs and symptoms which he or she will refer you to your medical doctor, usually an otolaryngologist (also known as an ear, nose, throat doctor, or ENT). After you get an official diagnosis your orthodontist may be able to work with your medical doctor to treat your sleep apnea.
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for sleep apnea. Some treatments can potentially cure it depending on the root cause of it. For instance weight loss and lifestyle changes can sometimes cure your sleep apnea and ideally should be tried first. However, if the cause is the position of your jaw then orthodontic treatment along with orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be the best treatment option for you. If neither of these treatments are options for you then a CPAP machine (continuous positive air pressure) is often recommended. Unfortunately, many individuals find it difficult or are completely unable to sleep with a CPAP machine and for those patients there are oral appliances like a mandibular advancement device which can hold your lower jaw forward to open up your airway while you sleep.
