The connection between sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ, has only recently been established. At Lach Orthodontic Specialists, we understand that orthodontics isn’t just about helping patients obtain healthy, beautiful smiles. TMJ’s can affect and decrease a patient’s quality of life, but we can help.
Lach Orthodontic Specialists is committed to providing our patients with comprehensive, expert orthodontic care. If you’d like more information about our practice or are interested in scheduling a complimentary consultation appointment, contact either our Lake Nona or Oviedo practices today.
It’s only recently been understood that sleep apnea disorder can be caused in part by TMJ’s. TMJ’s are responsible for the breathing problems of some people with sleep apnea. The sleeping problems that result from this disorder can dramatically impact the quality of life of the people that suffer from it.
Doctor Lach has extensive experience diagnosing and treating sleep apnea caused by TMJ’s. Through an extensive examination of the bite, muscles, and jaw joints that make up your mouth, he can tell if a TMJ dysfunction is the cause of your disorder. Part of an orthodontists training is extensive instruction in the way people’s jaws develop over time. Because Dr. Lach is intimately familiar with this growth process, he can accurately diagnose jaw dysfunction.
There a number of routes one can choose when deciding how to treat sleep apnea. If you do have a TMJ, before Dr. Lach begins treatment, he will probably recommend you undergo splint therapy before taking any definitive action. This therapy can help Dr. Lach determine your most comfortable jaw position, allowing him to plan your future treatment more appropriately and accurately.
Correcting a dysfunctional jaw shape can sometimes correct sleep apnea. These permanent structural changes are often achieved through dentofacial orthopedics or Mandibular advancement treatments. While a patient is undergoing treatment to correct this problem, Dr. Lach will often recommend that they also use a removable snoring device to reduce snoring and improve the overall quality of sleep. While these devices are easily tolerated by adults, children using them should be carefully monitored.
If you or someone you know is living with sleep apnea, it’s time to do something about it. Doctor Lach is a certified orthodontist with years of experience diagnosing and treating sleep apnea related to TMJ, so you can feel safe and secure in his care. For more information about the treatment process or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact our Lake Nona or Oviedo locations today.
