Sleep Medicine

TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders affect the joints connecting your jawbone to your skull. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw, leading to issues with chewing, speaking, and even sleeping.

• Symptoms:

Jaw pain or tenderness

Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw

Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

Headaches or earaches

• Treatment Options:

1. Custom Night Guards: Designed to alleviate pressure on the TMJ and prevent teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.

2. Therapeutic Exercises: Targeted exercises to improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension.

3. Medication: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort.

4. Stress Management: Techniques to reduce stress, which can contribute to TMJ issues.

Snoring

Snoring occurs when the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep, causing vibrations in the throat tissues. It can disrupt your sleep and the sleep of others, affecting overall health and quality of rest.

• Causes:

Nasal congestion

Obstructed airways

Relaxed throat muscles

Excessive weight

• Treatment Options:

1. Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted devices that help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue.

2. Lifestyle Changes: Recommendations such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and changing sleep positions.

3. Nasal Strips or CPAP Therapy: For more severe cases, additional options may be explored.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. It can lead to fragmented sleep and other health issues, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

• Symptoms:

Loud, frequent snoring

Pauses in breathing during sleep

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Difficulty concentrating

• Treatment Options:

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A device that delivers a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.

2. Oral Appliances: Custom devices designed to keep the airway open by repositioning the lower jaw or tongue.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol.

Bruxism/Grinding

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep. This condition can lead to various dental and health issues, including tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches.

• Symptoms:

Teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night

Worn or chipped teeth

Jaw pain or stiffness

Headaches or earaches

• Treatment Options:

1. Custom Night Guards: Protective devices worn over the teeth to prevent grinding and reduce pressure on the jaw.

2. Stress Reduction: Techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which can contribute to bruxism.

3. Dental Corrections: In severe cases, dental treatments may be needed to repair damaged teeth or address bite issues.

What to Expect During Your Sleep Medicine Consultation

1. Initial Evaluation: 

We’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your sleep patterns, symptoms, and medical history. This may include questionnaires, sleep studies, or diagnostic tests.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan: 

Based on your evaluation, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan to address your specific sleep issues. This may include oral appliances, lifestyle changes, or referrals for further medical evaluation.

3. Implementation and Follow-Up:

We’ll guide you through the use of any prescribed devices or therapies and provide ongoing support to monitor your progress. Regular follow-up appointments will help ensure that your treatment is effective and that you’re experiencing improved sleep.

Why Choose us for Sleep Medicine treatments?

At Smile Connections, we are dedicated to helping you achieve better sleep and overall health through personalized Sleep Medicine services. We focus on providing compassionate care and practical solutions to improve your sleep quality and enhance your well-being.