Sleep Apnea and
TMJ Treatment

If you're waking up tired, dealing with jaw pain, or your partner says you snore, the cause may be closer to your mouth than you think. At Wonder Family Dental & Dentures, we offer airway-focused dentistry for patients throughout Poulsbo, Silverdale, Bremerton, and greater Kitsap County, helping you sleep better, breathe easier, and find relief from jaw pain, often without a CPAP machine or invasive treatment.

Dr. Kaylee Wonder, DMD looks beyond your teeth to how your bite, jaw, and airway work together, because problems in one area often show up as symptoms in another.

Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, interrupting your breathing throughout the night. Left untreated, it can affect your energy, mood, heart health, and overall quality of life.

For many patients, a custom oral appliance offers an effective, comfortable alternative to a CPAP machine. Worn during sleep, the appliance gently repositions your jaw to help keep your airway open, allowing for steadier breathing and more restful sleep. We work closely with you, and with your physician when needed, to determine whether oral appliance therapy is the right fit for your case.

Signs you may benefit from sleep apnea evaluation:

Loud or frequent snoring
Waking up gasping or choking
Morning headaches
Daytime fatigue despite a full night's sleep
A partner who has noticed pauses in your breathing during sleep

TMJ Treatment

Your temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull, and when they're not functioning properly, the discomfort can show up in surprising places, including jaw pain, headaches, ear ringing, and neck tension.

We take a thorough look at your bite, jaw alignment, and muscle function to identify what's driving your symptoms, then build a treatment plan aimed at the root cause rather than just masking the pain.

Common signs of TMJ dysfunction:

Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Frequent headaches or migraines
Ear pain or ringing without an ear infection
Teeth grinding or clenching

Bite Splints and Custom Appliances

For many patients dealing with TMJ symptoms or nighttime teeth grinding, a custom-fitted bite splint can make a significant difference. Unlike an over-the-counter mouthguard, a bite splint is designed specifically for your bite, helping to reduce strain on your jaw joints and protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching.

Airway-Focused Dentistry
for Children

Airway health matters at every age, and catching issues early can make a real difference. We monitor children's jaw development and airway function as part of their regular care, watching for signs that may affect breathing, sleep, and long-term facial growth. Early intervention can sometimes help guide healthy development and reduce the likelihood of more significant issues later on.

Why Choose Wonder Family Dental & Dentures

A connected approach: We look at how your bite, jaw, and airway relate to one another, rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
CPAP alternatives: Custom oral appliances offer a comfortable option for patients who struggle with CPAP machines or are looking for an alternative.
Care for the whole family: From children's airway development to adult TMJ and sleep apnea care, we support patients at every stage of life.
Options for every budge: We accept most insurance plans, and our in-house membership plans help make care accessible for uninsured patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dentist really treat sleep apnea?

Yes. Dentists trained in airway-focused care can provide custom oral appliance therapy, an effective treatment option for many patients with obstructive sleep apnea, often as an alternative to CPAP.

How do I know if my jaw pain is TMJ related?

Common signs include jaw soreness, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, frequent headaches, and difficulty opening your mouth fully. An evaluation can help determine the cause and the right treatment plan.

Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and often involves both dental and medical insurance. We're happy to help you understand your options during a consultation.

At what age should my child be screened for airway issues?

Airway and jaw development can be monitored starting in early childhood. If you have concerns about your child's breathing, snoring, or jaw growth, we recommend bringing it up at their next visit.

Schedule Your Visit

If jaw pain, snoring, or restless sleep has been affecting your life, we're here to help you find the cause and a path forward. Call us at (360) 779-1566 or schedule your appointment online today.

Sleep Apnea and TMJ Treatment