Dr. Curtis Westersund: “As a TMJ dentist at Dentalife in Calgary, I often see patients struggling with a range of issues that stem from misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth can lead to a cascade of problems, including TMJ pain and sleep apnea. Understanding how these conditions are interconnected can help you seek the appropriate treatment and improve your overall quality of life.”
Misaligned Teeth: The Root of the Problem
Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, occur when the teeth do not fit together correctly. This can be due to various reasons, including genetics, thumb sucking during childhood, or trauma to the jaw. When your teeth are not properly aligned, it can lead to an uneven distribution of force when you bite or chew. Over time, this imbalance can cause a range of issues.
TMJ Pain: A Common Consequence
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and acts like a sliding hinge. When your teeth are misaligned, it can put additional strain on the TMJ, leading to pain and discomfort. TMJ disorders (TMD) can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Limited range of motion in the jaw
- Headaches and earaches
As a Calgary TMJ practitioner, I see many patients who are unaware that their jaw pain is linked to their teeth alignment. Addressing the root cause—misaligned teeth—can often alleviate the TMJ pain and improve jaw function.
Sleep Apnea: An Overlooked Connection
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. One of the lesser-known contributors to sleep apnea is misaligned teeth. When your teeth are not properly aligned, it can affect the positioning of your jaw and tongue, potentially leading to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
Many patients are surprised to learn that their sleep apnea could be linked to their dental health. Treating the misalignment can help improve airway function and reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.
Holistic Approach to Treatment
At Dentalife, we take a holistic approach to treating TMJ pain and sleep apnea by addressing the underlying issue of misaligned teeth. Here are some of the treatment options we offer:
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can correct the alignment of your teeth and improve your bite. By realigning the teeth, we can reduce the strain on the TMJ and improve the airway’s functionality, helping to alleviate TMJ pain and sleep apnea symptoms.
Oral Appliances
For patients with TMJ disorders or sleep apnea, custom-made oral appliances can be highly effective. These devices are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep or to reduce stress on the TMJ. They are comfortable, easy to use, and can significantly improve your quality of life.
Comprehensive Dental Care
We believe in providing comprehensive dental care that looks at the whole picture. This includes regular check-ups, dental cleanings, and monitoring of your oral health. By maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any dental issues early on, we can prevent problems from escalating and impacting your overall health.
The Path to Better Health
Understanding the connection between misaligned teeth, TMJ pain, and sleep apnea is crucial for effective treatment. As a TMJ dentist, I am dedicated to helping my patients find relief from pain and improve their sleep quality through personalized treatment plans.
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ pain or sleep apnea, I encourage you to seek a consultation at Dentalife. By addressing the root cause of your discomfort, we can work together to enhance your oral health and overall well-being.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life with better sleep.
Dr. Curtis Westersund, TMJ dentist at Dentalife in Calgary, is committed to providing comprehensive care for patients dealing with TMJ pain and sleep apnea.
