TMJ-Friendly Sleep Apnea Treatment Detroit

Is Your Sleep Appliance Properly Fitted?

A well-fitted sleep appliance should provide relief without causing discomfort. If your oral sleep appliance is not properly adjusted, you may experience:

• Jaw pain
• Jaw stiffness or restricted motion
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Wear on your teeth
• Loose or mobile teeth
• Feeling like your teeth do not fit together properly
• A broken or worn appliance

Some sleep apnea devices, including over-the-counter treatments and appliances provided by non-dental professionals, may not be designed to protect the jaw. Poorly fitted appliances can lead to bite problems, making TMJ symptoms worse.

At Michigan Center for TMJ & Sleep Wellness, we understand the connection between TMJ and sleep apnea. Our SLEEP APNEA PRECISION APPROACH™ is designed to support the airway while maintaining a balanced bite. A properly fitted appliance will not only improve sleep quality but also enhance overall comfort throughout the day.

How the SLEEP APNEA PRECISION APPROACH™ Supports TMJ Health

Many oral appliances focus solely on preventing airway collapse without considering jaw positioning. When the jaw is forced into an unnatural position, it can create tension in the surrounding muscles, leading to pain and stiffness.

The SLEEP APNEA PRECISION APPROACH™ is designed to:

• Keep the jaw in a natural position to prevent excessive tension
• Maintain airway support without placing stress on the TMJ
• Allow for proper muscle relaxation during sleep

This approach combines precise diagnostics with a custom-fitted appliance, helping patients experience relief from sleep apnea and TMJ discomfort.

Sleep Dentistry and Neuromuscular Dentistry Work Together

Many sleep dentists focus on airway health, while neuromuscular dentists focus on jaw function. However, these two areas are closely connected, and a treatment that ignores one can lead to problems with the other.

Dr. Haddad and his team take an integrated approach, ensuring that:

• Oral appliances are fitted to promote both breathing and jaw alignment
• Bite measurements are taken before and after appliance fitting
• Muscle activity is analyzed to prevent excessive strain on the jaw

This approach ensures that sleep apnea treatment is both effective and comfortable.

CPAP Can Also Cause TMJ Problems

Some people are advised to use CPAP therapy instead of an oral appliance to avoid bite changes. However, CPAP can also contribute to TMJ issues.

How CPAP Affects Jaw Health

• CPAP masks can put pressure on the face, leading to bite misalignment
• The force of the mask can push the jaw backward, increasing tension in the TMJ
• Some CPAP systems include a mouthpiece that, if not properly adjusted, can cause jaw discomfort

Even if CPAP does not cause TMJ problems, it does not address existing issues. In contrast, the SLEEP APNEA PRECISION APPROACH™ is designed to improve both breathing and jaw alignment for long-term comfort.

Why Choose Michigan Center for TMJ & Sleep Wellness?

Not all sleep apnea treatments are designed with TMJ health in mind. At Michigan Center for TMJ & Sleep Wellness, we take a patient-centered approach that:

• Improves airway function without straining the jaw
• Uses precise diagnostics to ensure the appliance fits correctly
• Provides an alternative to CPAP that supports both sleep and jaw health

Dr. Haddad and his team focus on creating treatment plans that address both sleep apnea and TMJ, reducing pain and improving sleep quality.