Dr. Brown is a graduate of Georgetown Dental School and an international speaker for TMD. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, an ALF InterFace Legacy Provider, and holds memberships with many academies. His extensive knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep, osteopathy and orthodontics gives him a unique perspective.
Q: What makes your approach to TMD and sleep apnea treatment unique?Â
A: Many dentists use Botox or other injectables to ease TMD pain, but that’s just a temporary fix—ultimately, the underlying problem is still there. Rather than just masking symptoms, I treat the root cause by guiding the jaw joint back into the socket where it belongs, so it no longer pinches nerves and blood vessels. Even in cases others say can’t be helped, my patients’ before-and-after MRIs often show real improvement. I use custom orthotics to gently reposition the jaw and restore natural bite height, reducing pressure on the joint. Once symptoms improve, we explore lasting solutions like orthodontics or crowns for long-term stability. It’s a simple, structural approach to healing that most dentists aren’t trained in.Â
Q: What are some signs that someone might have an undiagnosed sleeping disorder?
A: Most people who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) don’t even know they have it. But left untreated, it increases your risk for serious health issues, like heart disease, depression, even car accidents and more. Common red flags include loud snoring, restless sleep, gasping at night, morning headaches, brain fog, mood swings and daytime fatigue. OSA affects everything—from relationships to your focus at work or your child’s ability to learn in school. The good news? It’s treatable. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor. Getting checked could be life-changing, not just for you, but for the people who love and count on you.Â