TMD by virtue of its name is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. Popping and clicking in the jaw can be caused by a variety of factors including the eustachian tubes of the ear pressurizing. Many people have a pop/click in their jaw and go their whole lives without pain, dysfunction, or quality of life issues, but a recurring pop/click is not normal and should be reviewed by a certified specialist to be sure it is not something worse.

At Dental Sleep Doc we strive to keep our patients as far away from the surgery road as possible. In very few, and very severe cases where oral appliance therapy and other unintrusive options don't succeed, surgery may be an option.

The exact cause of TMD differs for each person and is very hard to determine. Thankfully the treatment plan is often reasonably straightforward regardless of the initial cause.

You will have follow-up appointments while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. You will know the treatment is working by a reduction of pain, increase in mobility, less frequent clicking in the jaw, and other factors.

Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.

If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover the treatment of TMD.  

Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their TMD because of the improved quality of life they experience.

We offer financing options and will work with you to find a solution that fits your needs. We strive to never allow money to get in the way of our patients receiving the treatment they need.

The majority of patients will adapt to the appliance within 5-10 days. It will take a few days to get used to having a device in your mouth. The appliance will not hurt your teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, we can easily adjust them for your comfort.

They are made of hard acrylic, which is very durable. They are typically replaced every 3-5 years depending on wear and tear. If you grind your teeth, you may have a more frequent rate of repair or replacement.

A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. With our experience, we've minimized the risk of tooth movement dramatically, and the risk can be minimized further with the use of a morning re-positioning device.

The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients but is rare when the treatment plan and instructions are followed.

TMD treatment times vary based on a variety of factors including age, overall health, and severity. Dr. Johannes will provide you with an estimated timeline during the initial consultation.

While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA-approved for treating TMD or sleep apnea. Additionally, when not fitted properly they may cause unwanted side effects such as additional jaw problems or excessive tooth movement.