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 is the connection between sleep apnea and TMD—and what are some signs I might have one or both of them?
A: More people have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) than realize it. Common red flags include loud snoring, gasping at night, morning headaches, brain fog, mood swings and daytime fatigue—and left untreated, it raises your risk for heart disease, depression and more. Many people are also surprised to learn that sleep apnea and TMD are closely linked. Studies show that more than half of TMD patients have trouble sleeping, and about half of sleep apnea patients experience jaw pain. The conditions tend to worsen each other: jaw misalignment can restrict the airway, and adjusting sleep position to relieve jaw pain can worsen breathing. Sound familiar? If so, talk to your doctor—it could be life-changing!
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, thereby reducing joint pressure. 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.