All patients with TMJ disorders especially if they get morning headaches or are tired during the day should be evaluated for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea (see www.ihatecpap.com) is a collapse of the airway during sleep.
Patients with clicking or popping TM joints will frequently have resolution of the TM Joint (temporomandibular joint) clicking if they wear a sleep apnea oral appliance.
The appliance stabilizes the condyle of the TMJ forward and if the disc is reduced allows time for the soft tissues to heal and stabilze the disc.
This stabilization will require the use of a daytime neuromuscular (splint) orthotic to maintain joint stability during the day.
