Oral Appliance | TMJ/TMD
Oral Appliance Therapy
While CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is considered the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders, many patients find it difficult to tolerate. Common complaints include discomfort from the mask, machine noise, and difficulty sleeping with bulky equipment.
Fortunately, effective CPAP alternatives are available—one of the most popular being oral appliance therapy. These small, custom-fitted devices are worn during sleep and work by gently repositioning the lower jaw to keep the airway open. Oral appliances are quiet, comfortable, and easy to travel with, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking a noninvasive, mask-free treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
At Houston Sleep Associates, Dr. Holly Boone specializes in helping patients throughout Houston, TX, and surrounding areas find relief from sleep apnea using advanced oral appliance therapy tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
TMJ / TMD Therapy
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull, located just in front of each ear. These joints are responsible for enabling the complex movements of your jaw, functioning as both a hinge and a sliding joint. Thanks to the TMJ, you can perform essential daily activities such as chewing, speaking, yawning, and swallowing easily and precisely.
Each TMJ works in tandem with muscles, ligaments, and a small disc that cushions the joint, ensuring smooth, coordinated motion. This allows your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward—all crucial for proper oral function and comfort.
However, when the TMJ becomes misaligned, overworked, or inflamed, it can lead to a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Symptoms may include jaw pain, stiffness, headaches, earaches, limited jaw movement, or a clicking and popping sound when opening or closing the mouth.
At Houston Sleep Associates, we understand the critical connection between TMJ function and airway health, especially regarding snoring and sleep apnea. For many patients, oral appliance therapy improves breathing at night and supports proper jaw alignment, offering relief for those suffering from both sleep-disordered breathing and TMD symptoms.
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