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How Bite Splints Can Help EDS Patients With Head, Neck, and Back Instability

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder known for causing joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and widespread instability—especially in the head, neck, and spine. Many EDS patients live with constant discomfort, unexplained tension, and musculoskeletal misalignment that conventional medical and dental treatments often overlook.

What many don’t realize is that jaw position and bite alignment play a crucial role in overall postural stability. At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we offer a treatment approach that can relieve these interconnected symptoms: neuromuscular bite splints.

Understanding the EDS Connection: Why Bite Matters

EDS patients often experience:

  • Craniocervical instability (CCI)
  • Atlantoaxial instability (AAI)
  • Neck and shoulder tension
  • Chronic headaches or migraines
  • Poor postural control
  • Jaw pain, clicking, or facial tension

When the jaw is misaligned—even slightly—it disrupts the delicate balance of the muscles that connect the head, jaw, neck, and spine. This leads to compensation patterns throughout the body, which worsen the instability already present in EDS.

A properly designed bite splint can reduce these imbalances and ease the burden on overstretched or overactive muscles.

Why a Bite Splint (Not a Night Guard) Is Key for EDS Patients

Most EDS patients who seek dental help for clenching, TMJ, or jaw pain are prescribed night guards. While night guards protect the teeth from grinding, they do not:

  • Address the root cause of clenching
  • Balance the bite or jaw joints
  • Improve posture or neuromuscular function
  • Reduce muscle overactivity

In fact, bulky upper night guards may interfere with natural cranial motion, which is critical for patients with connective tissue instability.

By contrast, a bite splint (also called a TMJ orthotic or neuromuscular splint) is a custom therapeutic appliance that:

  • Fits the lower teeth, preserving cranial rhythm
  • Repositions the jaw into a neutral bite position
  • Relieves tension in the masseter, temporalis, and trapezius muscles
  • Helps align the head and neck
  • Encourages better tongue posture and airway function

Stabilizing the System: Head, Neck & Spine

Because the jaw joint (TMJ) is intimately connected with the upper cervical spine, correcting the bite has cascading effects:

  • Improved jaw alignment reduces cervical strain
  • Balanced muscle tone leads to less neck and shoulder tension
  • Neutral head posture can relieve back pain and instability
  • Proper tongue position supports the airway and spinal posture

For EDS patients, whose joints are already more vulnerable to misalignment, restoring neuromuscular harmony is not just helpful—it’s essential. Bite splints are sometimes incorrectly called occlusal guards or occlusal orthotic devices.

Our Process: Precision Bite Splints for EDS Support

At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, our bite splints are crafted with exceptional precision. This is not a boil-and-bite or lab-milled night guard. We use:

  • CBCT imaging to evaluate your airway and TMJ joints
  • Jaw tracking to assess muscular function and movement
  • Precise bite registration to capture the true neutral position
  • Custom lower appliances to support cranial movement

These devices are often the first step in treating chronic pain, instability, and dysfunction in EDS patients.

Who Can Benefit?

A properly calibrated bite splint may be ideal for EDS patients dealing with:

  • Chronic head or neck pain
  • Jaw clicking, locking, or muscle fatigue
  • Difficulty maintaining upright posture
  • Cervical spine or craniocervical instability
  • TMJ-related dizziness, tinnitus, or balance issues
  • Airway dysfunction or sleep-disordered breathing

We often use the bite splint as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, sometimes in conjunction with:

  • Orthodontic expanders
  • Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
  • Postural rehabilitation
  • Myofunctional therapy

In Summary-Bite Splint Therapy for EDS patients

For EDS patients, the road to pain relief and postural stability can feel long and frustrating. But addressing the jaw as a foundational structure of the head and neck may be the missing piece.

A bite splint is not just about the teeth—it’s about calming the entire musculoskeletal system and giving the body a stable foundation from the top down.

If you’ve been told to wear a night guard but still experience pain, fatigue, or instability, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Let’s determine whether a custom neuromuscular bite splint can help restore balance and comfort in your life.

Correcting Facial Asymmetries with Bite Plane Appliances and Functional Therapy

Facial asymmetry in children and adults can often be traced back to imbalances in oral function and skeletal growth—especially when the tongue isn’t positioned correctly on the palate, or when tethered oral tissues (like tongue, lip, or buccal ties) pull unevenly on facial muscles and bones. At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we use a holistic approach to the treatment of facial asymmetries that includes neutral bite plane appliances, frenectomy procedures, and myofunctional therapy to help the face grow more symmetrically from the inside out.

facial asymmetry

How Facial Asymmetries Develop

Facial asymmetry doesn’t usually result from trauma or genetics alone. It frequently stems from functional imbalances during growth, including:

1. Tongue Posture and Jaw Development

When the tongue does not rest on the roof of the mouth (the palate), it loses its natural role as an internal support for the upper jaw. Without that gentle, upward pressure:

  • The maxilla (upper jaw) can collapse downward
  • One side of the jaw may drop lower than the other
  • The entire midface can shift off-center
  • Facial elongation and asymmetry become more pronounced

2. Tethered Oral Tissues (Ties)

Tight tongue, lip, or buccal ties restrict movement and create asymmetric tension. When these restrictions are tighter on one side than the other:

  • Facial growth can be pulled unevenly
  • The jaw may grow at an angle
  • Cheeks and eye areas may appear imbalanced

3. Mouth Breathing and Muscle Imbalance

Chronic mouth breathing—often resulting from nasal obstruction, ties, or improper tongue posture—disrupts normal facial muscle tone and growth direction. This can:

  • Cause one side of the face to be more active than the other
  • Lead to muscular asymmetry and slanted growth patterns

The Role of the Bite Plane in Facial Balance

Bite plane appliances are used in many of our orthopedic and orthodontic devices to support the jaw in a neutral, balanced position. This “neutral bite plane” encourages:

  • Relaxation of head, neck, and jaw muscles
  • Equalized pressure across the dental arches
  • A more centered lower jaw position
  • Improved symmetry in bite force and muscular tone

By reducing the influence of an unbalanced bite, the bite plane gives the bones and soft tissues a chance to grow and settle more symmetrically.

Many of our appliances—including the Homeoblock, Schwarz, DNA appliance, and even our MASPE expanders can incorporate bite planes designed to encourage symmetry during growth.

Pairing Bite Plane Therapy with Tie Releases and Myofunctional Work

The best results in correcting facial asymmetry come from addressing both the structure and function of the oral environment. At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we often pair bite plane therapy with:

1. Laser Release of Lip, Buccal, and Tongue Ties

When ties are released—especially if one side is more restricted than the other—we often see a dramatic shift toward more balanced growth and posture. We use the LightScalpel CO2 laser for precise, low-trauma frenectomies. Benefits include:

  • Improved tongue range of motion
  • Elimination of asymmetrical tension from one-sided restrictions
  • Better oral rest posture

2. Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy retrains the oral and facial muscles to:

  • Support a closed mouth posture
  • Maintain nasal breathing
  • Keep the tongue on the roof of the mouth
  • Swallow and speak correctly

When combined with appliance therapy and tie release, myofunctional therapy reinforces the newly balanced environment and helps guide symmetrical growth.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Children’s faces grow rapidly—and the earlier we intervene, the more we can influence bone remodeling and symmetry. That said, adults can also benefit from this integrated approach. Facial asymmetries in adults may soften, and muscular imbalances can often be retrained and improved over time.

Signs your child (or you) may benefit from this treatment approach include:

  • A noticeable midline shift
  • Asymmetrical smile or jaw movements
  • Chronic teeth clenching or grinding
  • Mouth breathing
  • Narrow or high-arched palate
  • Slanted eye or cheek level in photos

Our Holistic Approach to Facial Balance

At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we don’t simply treat the teeth—we work with the entire craniofacial system to improve form, function, and long-term wellness.

Our protocol for addressing facial asymmetry includes:

  1. Comprehensive airway and skeletal evaluation (including CBCT imaging)
  2. Custom appliance therapy with a neutral bite plane
  3. Slow, biological palatal expansion (MASPE)
  4. Targeted release of oral ties using CO2 laser
  5. Myofunctional therapy from trained providers
  6. Ongoing monitoring and functional integration

Schedule a Consultation

If you or your child are showing signs of facial asymmetry or imbalance, it’s important to address the root cause—not just the appearance. Our integrative approach can help restore balance, improve breathing, and support healthier facial development.

Contact us today at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve more symmetrical, functional, and confident growth.

What Is a Neutral Bite Plane? How It Supports Orthodontic Expansion and Facial Balance

What Is a Neutral Bite Plane? How It Supports Orthodontic Expansion and Facial Balance. If you’ve ever heard the term “neutral bite plane” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. It’s a concept we use often in our practice, especially when working with patients undergoing orthodontic expansion or those suffering from jaw tension, TMJ discomfort, or facial asymmetry. In fact, many of the most effective appliances used in airway-focused orthodontics and craniofacial development rely on a bite plane to do their job properly.

Let’s break down what a bite plane is, what we mean by “neutral,” and how this feature supports skeletal changes, muscle relaxation, and even improved facial symmetry.

neutral bite plane

What Is a Bite Plane?

A bite plane is a flat, polished surface—usually made of medical-grade acrylic—built into the design of an orthodontic or orthopedic appliance. It covers part of the teeth (most commonly the lower back teeth) and determines how the upper and lower jaws come together.

The bite plane serves several functions:

  • Prevents full closure of the back teeth to relieve jaw compression
  • Reduces muscle hyperactivity by shifting the bite to a more open, relaxed position
  • Guides the jaws into a new relationship, often more stable or symmetrical

Bite planes are integrated into many well-known appliances, including:

What Makes It a “Neutral” Bite Plane?

The word neutral refers to a specific jaw position where the muscles of the face, head, neck, and jaw are at rest. This position varies slightly from person to person but is identified through clinical evaluation, often with the help of CBCT scans, jaw tracking, or facial symmetry assessments.

When a bite plane is designed to support the jaw in this neutral position:

  • The muscles stop compensating for an imbalanced bite
  • Clenching and grinding often subside
  • Head, neck, and TMJ tension are significantly reduced
  • Postural and cranial strain may also improve

In essence, a neutral bite plane doesn’t just support the teeth—it supports the entire craniofacial system.

The Role of a Bite Plane in Orthodontic Expansion

Orthodontic expanders like the Homeoblock, DNA, Twin Block, or even some Schwarz appliances often include a bite plane as part of their design. This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a key component of successful orthopedic change.

Here’s why:

  • Expansion appliances stimulate bone growth by applying gentle pressure to the palate or lower arch.
  • When paired with a neutral bite plane, this growth can occur in a more balanced, symmetrical direction.
  • The bite plane also prevents compensatory muscle activity that might otherwise resist or distort the expansion.

By allowing the jaws to settle in a neutral zone, the bite plane removes interference that might skew bone development. This is particularly important when treating patients with facial asymmetry, narrow jaws, or chronic muscle tension.

Facial Asymmetry and the Bite Plane

One of the lesser-known but powerful effects of using a bite plane in expansion therapy is its ability to support symmetry in facial growth. This happens in two ways:

  1. Muscle Balance: Uneven bite forces and muscle strain often pull the face out of alignment. A neutral bite plane calms those forces and lets both sides of the face grow more evenly.
  2. Guided Growth: The appliance gently reshapes the bones of the face and jaw. When the bite is balanced, the direction of that growth is more likely to follow a symmetrical path.

While it won’t make asymmetries disappear overnight, this combination of expansion + neutral bite position can significantly improve balance and appearance over time.

Final Thoughts

The bite plane may look like a simple piece of acrylic, but it plays a profound role in supporting neuromuscular relaxation, skeletal balance, and orthodontic success. When designed in a neutral position, it helps unlock the full potential of appliances like the Homeoblock, DNA, Twin Block, and many others.

If you’re undergoing treatment with an expander—or dealing with jaw tension or facial imbalance—ask whether your appliance includes a neutral bite plane. It might be the key to a more comfortable and successful outcome.

Want to learn more about how a bite plane could benefit your treatment? Contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Bite Splint compared to Night Guards-Which is Better?

Bite Splint vs. Night Guard: Why the Difference Matters for TMJ, Clenching, and Facial Pain

If you’ve ever been told to wear a night guard for teeth clenching or TMJ pain, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from jaw discomfort, headaches, facial asymmetry, and tooth wear caused by chronic clenching or grinding. Unfortunately, conventional dentistry has long relied on a tool that only masks the symptoms: the night guard.

While night guards and bite splints may look similar on the surface—both typically made from clear medical-grade acrylic—they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between these two appliances can make or break your journey toward long-term relief.

What Is a Night Guard?

bite splint for tmj

A night guard (also called a bite guard or occlusal guard) is a protective barrier placed between the upper and lower teeth. It is custom-molded to your teeth and is typically worn on the upper arch. Its goal is to absorb some of the forces from nighttime clenching and grinding (bruxism) and to prevent tooth damage. But that’s all it does.

Night guards do not:

  • Address the root cause of clenching
  • Balance the bite or jaw joints
  • Improve tongue posture
  • Guide muscle relaxation

In fact, placing a bulky plastic appliance on the upper teeth can restrict the natural cranial movement at the mid-palatal suture, which is essential for healthy cranial rhythm. And since night guards do not correct jaw imbalance or encourage a “neutral position,” they often leave patients still clenching—just on plastic instead of teeth.

What Is a Bite Splint?

A bite splint (also referred to as a TMJ splint or orthotic) is a therapeutic appliance designed to correct the jaw relationship and provide a neuromuscular “neutral position” for the bite.

Here’s how bite splints work:

  • Made to fit the lower teeth, not the upper
  • Fabricated using precise neuromuscular measurements, not just tooth molds
  • Calibrated to allow the muscles of the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders to rest
  • Encourages proper tongue posture and improves airway space

A bite splint is not just a buffer; it’s a diagnostic and therapeutic tool that helps the jaw find a structural and muscular equilibrium. Many patients report relief from jaw pain, neck tension, headaches, and even improvements in sleep. While not a sleep apnea appliance, bite splints may reduce airway obstruction simply by allowing the tongue to rest in a better position.

The Importance of the Neutral Bite Position

The “neutral position” is a structural zone where the jaws can close in balance, and the surrounding muscles are at rest. When a person’s natural bite does not allow for this rest position, the body compensates with tension—often manifesting as clenching, grinding, TMJ pain, and postural strain.

The bite splint creates that neutral bite plane, reducing overactivity in the:

  • Masseter and temporalis muscles
  • Neck and shoulder muscles (especially the trapezius)
  • Muscles of facial expression

This is what makes a bite splint so powerful: it treats the root cause, not just the symptom.

Why Most Dentists Default to Night Guards

The truth is, conventional dentistry has not been well-trained in neuromuscular function or TMJ therapy. Making a night guard is a relatively simple process: take an impression, send it to the lab, and have them fabricate a generic plastic barrier.

Creating a bite splint, however, requires:

  • CBCT imaging to assess joint position and airway
  • Jaw tracking and bite registration in a neutral position
  • Post-doctoral training in TMJ and craniofacial development

In other words, bite splints require much more skill, training, and individualized care.

When Is a Bite Splint the Better Option?

If you suffer from any of the following, a bite splint may be a better choice than a night guard:

  • Chronic teeth clenching or grinding
  • TMJ dysfunction or clicking
  • Neck, head, or jaw muscle tension
  • Facial asymmetry or postural imbalances
  • Airway-related sleep issues

A bite splint can be used long-term for management, or as a diagnostic tool to determine the ideal jaw position before starting definitive treatment with:

Final Thoughts

While night guards may offer short-term protection against tooth wear, they do not treat the cause of clenching or TMJ pain. Bite splints, when properly made and calibrated by a TMJ-trained provider, offer a path toward true relief by creating a stable, neutral jaw position.

Don’t settle for a generic plastic barrier. If you’re dealing with jaw pain, clenching, or facial tension, it may be time to consider whether a bite splint is the missing piece in your treatment plan.

Contact our office to learn more about how we determine your neutral bite position and whether a bite splint is right for you.

A Comprehensive Approach to Underdeveloped Jaws, Clenching, and Facial Asymmetry

Using MARPE + Invisalign on the Upper Jaw and a Homeoblock with Bite Plane on the Lower Jaw

For patients with small upper and lower jaws, the symptoms are often more than just crooked and crowded teeth. They may experience chronic clenching or grinding, TMJ discomfort, neck and trap tension, headaches, and facial asymmetry—along with breathing or sleep-related issues. In these more complex cases multiple airway orthodontic appliances may be necessary. In this article we discuss a protocol involving treatments using MARPE, Invisalign and Homeoblock appliances at the same time.

At our practice, we’ve developed a multi-faceted treatment protocol that targets the root of these problems by addressing skeletal development, neuromuscular function, and airway health all at once. This protocol combines:

Here’s how this powerful combination works.

Upper Jaw: MARPE + Invisalign (Simultaneously)

The combination of MARPE and Invisalign clear aligners is very powerful for people who need large amounts of palatal expansion and cranial-facial growth. We use MARPE for controlled skeletal expansion of the upper jaw. Unlike traditional rapid methods, we implement a slow, biologically guided expansion (MASPE), which allows the craniofacial structures to adapt more harmoniously.

At the same time, Invisalign aligners are used to:

Benefits of Clear Aligners with Palatal Expansion

  • Begin aligning the teeth during expansion
  • Minimize visible gaps like midline diastema
  • Help control tooth positioning as the palate grows
  • Expands the nasal cavity to improve breathing
  • Creates proper space for the tongue
  • Begins correcting the bite early in treatment, reducing total time

Lower Jaw: Homeoblock with a Neutral Bite Plane

Patients with clenching, facial asymmetry, or chronic muscle tension benefit tremendously from the Homeoblock appliance, especially when equipped with a customized bite plane. This bite plane is more than just a protective surface, it’s designed to establish a neutral bite position.

What Is a Neutral Bite Position?

A neutral position is a structural alignment where the muscles of the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders come to rest. When the bite plane is properly calibrated, it allows the jaws to close in this neutral position, which:

  • Unloads chronically overworked muscles of the jaw, head, neck, and traps
  • Reduces muscle tension and postural strain
  • Helps alleviate TMJ pain, neck tightness, and clenching-induced headaches
  • Provides a stable muscular foundation for functional bone remodeling

How It Guides Bone Growth

Because the neutral bite position stabilizes the jaw, it creates the optimal environment for the Homeoblock’s epigenetic stimulation to work effectively. The appliance gently encourages:

  • Lower jaw expansion, particularly beneficial when the lower arch is narrow
  • Improved jaw symmetry, as the muscles stop pulling unevenly on bony structures
  • Better facial balance, as growth patterns become more physiologically aligned

This makes the Homeoblock with a neutral bite plane critical for patients with facial asymmetries, chronic bruxism, and head/neck tension—not just for protecting the teeth but for driving cranial growth in the right direction.

Who Needs the Neutral Bite Plane?

Not every patient needs this level of intervention. Patients with airway problems, mouth breathing, or sleep-disordered breathing may benefit more from upper expansion and tongue space correction alone.

But for those who also suffer from:

  • Chronic clenching or grinding
  • Facial or jaw asymmetry
  • Neck, jaw, or shoulder tension
  • Postural dysfunction

The addition of a lower jaw expander with a neutral bite plane is essential for people who clench their teeth and have jaw and neck tension and headaches.

Why MARPE + Invisalign + Homeoblock Is So Effective

By addressing both skeletal structure and neuromuscular balance, this protocol:

  • Accelerates treatment by correcting jaw size and tooth alignment simultaneously
  • Relaxes and protects muscles and joints from overload during treatment
  • Enhances facial harmony through guided bone remodeling
  • Improves sleep and breathing by enlarging tongue space and thereby decreasing airway resistance and airway obstruction
  • Reduces the chance of relapse by creating a structurally and functionally stable bite

Summary: Function Meets Form

This combined protocol reflects the philosophy of airway-centered, craniofacial orthopedics: it’s not just about straight teeth, but about restoring harmony to the structure, function, and neurology of the face and jaws.

How is Airway Orthodontics Different Than Conventional Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics is not just about straight teeth—it’s about helping children and adults breathe, sleep, and live better. At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, under the direction of Dr. Gary Adams, we take a holistic, whole-body approach to orthodontics that prioritizes one of the most fundamental pillars of health: the airway.

 

what is airway orthodontics

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is airway orthodontics?”—you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear every day from parents and adult patients alike. In this blog post, we’ll break down what airway orthodontics is, who it helps, and why our practice has become a trusted destination for patients from across the country seeking solutions for breathing and bite-related health concerns.

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics is a branch of orthodontics that focuses on the size, shape, and function of the airway—particularly how jaw structure, tongue posture, and oral muscle function influence breathing. While traditional orthodontics centers on the alignment of teeth, airway orthodontics addresses the underlying structural and functional problems that contribute to:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Snoring and sleep apnea
  • Forward head posture
  • TMJ dysfunction
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Behavioral issues in children

At its core, airway orthodontics is about creating more space—in the mouth, in the nasal passages, and in the throat—so the body can function the way it was meant to: with the tongue resting gently on the palate, lips sealed, and breathing occurring silently and efficiently through the nose.

Why Is the Airway Important in Orthodontics?

Breathing isn’t optional—it’s vital. The way we breathe shapes how our face grows, how we sleep, and how we feel during the day. When a child breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, especially at night, it often signals that something is wrong with their airway.

Chronic mouth breathing and poor tongue posture can cause:

  • Narrow palates
  • Recessed jaws and chins
  • Elongated faces
  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
  • Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing and ADHD-like behavior

This cycle begins early in life and continues into adulthood if left unaddressed. That’s why early intervention matters—but adult treatment is also possible and often life-changing.

Common Symptoms Airway Orthodontics Can Address

In Children:

  • Mouth breathing (especially at night)
  • Snoring, gasping, or teeth grinding during sleep
  • Frequent ear infections or enlarged tonsils/adenoids
  • Crowded teeth, narrow arches
  • Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)
  • Hyperactivity, poor focus, bedwetting

In Adults:

  • TMJ pain or jaw clicking
  • Sleep apnea or snoring
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Teeth clenching and grinding
  • Facial tension or forward head posture
  • Anxiety or brain fog from poor sleep quality

 

 

Our Holistic Approach to Airway Orthodontics

At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, airway orthodontics is not just a procedure—it’s a philosophy. We treat each patient as a whole person, not a set of teeth or symptoms. Here’s what makes our approach unique:

1. Biological or Slow Palatal Expansion

Unlike rapid palatal expansion (RPE), our Slow Palatal Expansion (SPE) protocol gently and gradually expands the upper jaw over time. This slow method respects cranial development and minimizes side effects like pain, asymmetry, or excessive diastemas (spaces between teeth). We have many different kinds of expanders and treatment modalities for adults and children.

Airway orthodontics is key to creating enough room for the tongue to rest on the palate—one of the most critical steps in restoring proper nasal breathing and resolving airway obstruction.

2. Clear Aligner Integration (Invisalign)

We often combine clear aligner therapy or clear braces, such as Invisalign, to:

  • Guide teeth into healthier, more stable positions
  • Maintain aesthetics during treatment
  • Prevent or correct bite issues without bulky metal braces
  • Close or prevent spaces as the jaw expands

This dual approach maximizes efficiency and delivers both functional and cosmetic results. Look at it as we get the mouth and jaw to be the right size and shape first. And then guide the teeth into a proper bite. Sometimes teeth movements are not necessary and expansion is all that is needed.

Our most popular treatments for kids include:

  1. Schwarz Expander
  2. Myobrace
  3. ALF Appliance
  4. Lip and Tongue Tie Releases

Our most popular treatment for adults include:

  1. MARPE combined with clear braces/Invisalign
  2. Homeoblock and Vivos appliances

 

3. Tongue, Lip, and Buccal Tie Releases

Structural restrictions like tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) can prevent the tongue from resting on the roof of the mouth. This leads to mouth breathing, poor swallowing patterns, and airway collapse during sleep.

We use the LightScalpel CO2 laser to gently release:

  • Tongue ties
  • Lip ties
  • Buccal ties

These procedures are minimally invasive and offer quick recovery—especially when paired with therapy.

4. Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is the “muscle retraining” component of airway orthodontics. Our team collaborates with myofunctional therapists to help patients:

  • Retrain their tongue to rest on the palate
  • Seal their lips at rest
  • Breathe through the nose
  • Swallow properly without facial tension

This therapy is essential for reinforcing structural corrections and promoting long-term success.

5. TMJ and Bite Correction

We address TMJ dysfunction by improving the way the teeth come together (the bite) and how the jaw relates to the rest of the skull. Many TMJ issues are the result of narrow palates, retruded jaws, or clenching caused by airway obstruction.

Our comprehensive treatment helps:

Why Patients from Across the U.S. Choose Us

Patients travel from all over the country to see Dr. Gary Adams and our team at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center. Why? Because we go beyond the conventional orthodontic model.

We specialize in:

  • Treating pediatric sleep apnea and mouth breathing without surgery
  • Early intervention for developing jaws and facial structures
  • Offering adult palatal expansion and bite correction options
  • Avoiding CPAP and other mechanical airway devices
  • Providing comprehensive, coordinated care with myofunctional therapists, ENTs, and other specialists

Our goal is to optimize airway health through safe, natural, and biologically appropriate treatments.

Airway Orthodontics vs. Traditional Orthodontics

Feature Traditional Orthodontics Airway Orthodontics (Our Approach)
Focus Teeth alignment Breathing, structure, function
Age of Intervention Usually ages 12+ As early as age 4–6 (and adults!)
Appliance Braces or aligners Expanders, aligners, myofunctional  therapy
Root Cause Addressed? No Yes
Treats TMJ/Sleep Issues? Rarely Always considered

Is Airway Orthodontics Right for You or Your Child?

If you or your child struggle with sleep, jaw tension, clenching, mouth breathing, or bite problems, airway orthodontics could be the answer. Our treatment is safe, effective, and customized to your specific anatomy and symptoms.

The earlier we intervene, the more we can support proper growth. But even in adults, results can be life-changing.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to find the root cause of your breathing, sleep, or jaw issues? We’re here to help.

Book a consultation at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center today and take the first step toward improved breathing, better sleep, and a more balanced, beautiful smile.

Why Kids Clench Teeth at Night: Hidden Airway Connection

If your child clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep, it may seem like just an odd or annoying habit. But nighttime teeth clenching (bruxism) is not normal, especially in children. At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, Dr. Gary Adams and our team understand that this behavior is often a red flag—signaling a deeper problem with your child’s airway and breathing during sleep.

In this post, we’ll explore:

  • Why kids clench their teeth at night
  • The airway-sleep connection most parents and doctors miss
  • How a small jaw, tongue tie, or poor tongue posture contributes to the problem
  • Why traditional approaches often fail
  • How we treat the root cause using palatal expanders, tongue/lip tie release, and myofunctional therapy

What Is Nighttime Teeth Clenching in Kids?

Teeth clenching or grinding during sleep—also known as sleep bruxism—involves involuntary, forceful jaw movements that can wear down teeth, cause headaches, disturb sleep, and even lead to TMJ disorders. While some pediatricians may reassure you that it’s “normal” or your child will outgrow it, frequent or intense clenching is a symptom of airway obstruction and requires treatment. Many kids with night time bruxism have pediatric sleep apnea. Explore the signs of sleep apnea in kids.

The Real Cause: Nighttime Airway Obstruction

Children do not clench their teeth for no reason. Bruxism is often the body’s defense mechanism—a built-in alarm to deal with disrupted breathing during sleep. Airway dentists call this sleep disordered breathing. When the tongue falls back into the throat and blocks airflow, the body goes into panic mode. In response, the jaw muscles contract, triggering a clench or grind that can help:

  • Partially open the airway
  • Stimulate the tongue to move forward
  • Shift the body out of deep sleep into lighter stages, reducing the risk of oxygen deprivation

This protective mechanism can occur multiple times per night, leading to fragmented sleep and a cascade of developmental issues.

Why Does the Tongue Obstruct the Airway at Night?

1. Small or Narrow Palate

A narrow upper jaw doesn’t allow the tongue to rest comfortably against the palate. Instead, the tongue drops down and back, increasing the risk of airway blockage.

2. Tongue Tie or Lip Tie

 

tongue tieWhen a child has a tongue tie (ankyloglossia), the tongue is physically tethered to the floor of the mouth. This prevents it from achieving proper posture—lightly suctioned to the roof of the mouth. As a result, it tends to collapse back into the throat during sleep and block the airway.

3. Low Tongue Posture

Even without a tie, many children develop poor oral posture from habits like mouth breathing or thumb sucking. If the tongue doesn’t habitually rest on the palate, it’s more likely to fall back when the muscles relax during deep sleep.

4. Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing, especially during sleep, worsens everything. It lowers tongue posture, dries out the mouth, and often leads to enlarged tonsils and adenoids—further narrowing the airway. Explore ways to stop kids from mouth breathing.

Why This Matters: Consequences of Untreated Bruxism

Ignoring nighttime teeth clenching can result in:

  • Tooth wear and enamel erosion
  • TMJ dysfunction or jaw pain
  • Headaches and facial muscle tension
  • Sleep fragmentation and poor sleep quality
  • Daytime fatigue or hyperactivity
  • Developmental delays or behavioral issues

More importantly, chronic sleep-disordered breathing during a child’s developmental years can alter the way their face grows, how their brain develops, and how their immune system functions.

Traditional Treatments Miss the Root Cause

Pediatricians and even some dentists may recommend:

  • “Monitoring” the behavior
  • Nightguards or splints
  • Anxiety reduction techniques

But these solutions are like putting a bandage on a fire. They do nothing to address why the child is clenching in the first place. In fact, giving a child a nightguard may mask the symptom and delay proper treatment for an underlying airway disorder.

How We Treat the Root Cause at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center

At our practice, we focus on correcting the anatomical and functional problems that lead to airway obstruction in the first place. Here’s how we do it:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

We begin with a full evaluation of your child’s airway, tongue posture, jaw development, and sleep patterns. This often includes:

  • A clinical exam
  • CBCT imaging
  • Myofunctional assessment

We look beyond the teeth to understand the full picture of your child’s airway and facial development.

2. Palatal Expansion

We use a Slow Palatal Expansion to gently and biologically widen the upper jaw. Our most popular kids expanders are the Schwarz expander, Myobrace and and ALF appliance. Expanding the palate creates:

  • More room for the tongue
  • A more open nasal airway
  • Improved facial symmetry and bite balance

Unlike rapid expanders that can cause discomfort, dental trauma and cranial imbalances, our slow protocol respects the biology of the cranial bones and ensures long-term, stable results. We also have adult palatal expanders such as the Homeoblock and MARPE combined with clear aligners/Invisalign protocol.

 

 

3. Clear Aligner Therapy (if needed)

Clear aligners such as Invisalign help guide the teeth into better positions and improve the bite without bulky metal braces or any heavy mechanical forces.

4. Tongue and Lip Tie Releases

If your child has a tongue tie or lip tie, we may perform a laser frenectomy using the LightScalpel CO2 laser. This procedure is:

  • Quick and precise
  • Minimally invasive
  • Effective in improving tongue mobility, posture, and function

Releasing a tongue tie allows the tongue to stay properly positioned during sleep—where it belongs: on the palate, not in the throat.

5. Myofunctional Therapy

This is like physical therapy for the mouth and face. We refer to trusted myofunctional therapists who help children:

  • Retrain the tongue to rest on the palate
  • Improve nasal breathing
  • Strengthen lip seal and orofacial muscles
  • Break long-standing mouth breathing habits

Myofunctional therapy is essential for reinforcing the structural corrections we make.

6. Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Our approach is collaborative. We work closely with ENTs, sleep specialists, and therapists to ensure your child gets comprehensive care. We also guide parents on supporting breathing-friendly habits at home.

Signs Your Child’s Teeth Clenching Is Airway-Related

Consider an airway-focused evaluation if your child:

  • Grinds or clenches teeth during sleep
  • Snores or breathes through the mouth at night
  • Wakes frequently or seems restless in bed
  • Has dark circles under the eyes
  • Complains of morning headaches or sore jaw
  • Shows signs of hyperactivity or poor focus
  • Has a history of enlarged tonsils/adenoids or allergies

These are not isolated issues—they’re often symptoms of a poorly functioning airway.

The Bottom Line: Clenching Is a Symptom, Not a Disorder

At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we don’t treat clenching—we treat the reason your child is clenching. Through a combination of airway expansion, tongue tie release, and functional retraining, we help children:

  • Sleep deeply
  • Breathe properly
  • Grow into healthy, balanced faces

If you’re concerned about your child’s nighttime teeth clenching, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent years of dental problems, poor sleep, and developmental challenges.

Schedule a Consultation

We invite you to schedule a comprehensive airway evaluation at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center with Dr. Gary Adams. Together, we can uncover the root cause of your child’s clenching and create a custom treatment plan that supports lifelong health and breathing.

 

Non-Invasive Treatments to Correct Mouth Breathing in Children

 

Mouth breathing in children is more than just a habit; it’s a sign of underlying issues that can impact facial development, sleep quality, and overall health. At the TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, Dr. Gary Adams specializes in identifying and treating the root causes of mouth breathing through a comprehensive, non-invasive approach. Most of the kids we see in our practice have crowded teeth, mouth breathing, and/or child sleep apnea.

 

 

Understanding Mouth Breathing in Children

Mouth breathing often results from a combination of anatomical, environmental, and habitual factors:

  • Nasal Obstruction: Enlarged adenoids or tonsils, allergies, or chronic congestion can block nasal passages.
  • Underdeveloped Jaw and Palate: A narrow upper jaw or high-arched palate can restrict nasal airflow.
  • Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): A restricted tongue can prevent proper resting posture against the palate. Anterior tongue ties are usually easy to see, but posterior or mid tongue tie s can be difficult to diagnose. Tongue ties keep tongues tied down to the bottom of the mouth and prevent proper palatal tongue position.
  • Habitual Behavior: Temporary mouth breathing during illness can become a long-term habit.

Believe it or not all these things are linked.  We can correct all mouth breathing factors once and for all with airway orthodontics and myofunctional therapy. The treatments work by naturally and gently creating more space in the mouth, jaws, teeth spaces and the upper airway. The treatments allow for proper air to flow through the nose, and prevent the need for mouth opening and breathing. The only time the mouth should open is during talking or eating.

The Negative Consequences of Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing can lead to:

  • Facial and Dental Development Issues: Long, narrow faces, recessed chins, crowded teeth, and high-arched palates.
  • Sleep and Oxygenation Problems: Shallow breathing, increased risk of pediatric sleep apnea, and reduced sleep quality.
  • Behavioral and Cognitive Effects: Poor sleep can mimic ADHD symptoms and affect mood and academic performance.
  • Health Concerns: Dry mouth leading to cavities, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and chronic nasal congestion.

Identifying Mouth Breathing in Your Child

Signs to watch for include:

  • Sleeping with an open mouth
  • Snoring or noisy breathing at night
  • Teeth Clenching during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Picky eaters
  • Poor facial profile
  • Dry lips or frequent thirst
  • Crowded teeth or elongated facial appearance
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Forward head posture
  • Daytime tiredness or hyperactivity
  • Frequent colds or allergies
  • Poor posture

Our Comprehensive Treatment Protocol

At the TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we follow a holistic, step-by-step approach to stop kids from mouth breathing:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

We begin with a thorough assessment, including CBCT scans, to evaluate jaw size, nasal passages, and tongue posture.

2. Addressing Physical Obstructions

If nasal obstructions are present, we collaborate with ENT specialists to evaluate and address these issues.

3. Palatal Expansion

We utilize gentle, slow palatal expansion techniques to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for the tongue and improving nasal airflow.

4. Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy retrains oral muscles to promote proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and correct swallowing patterns.

5. Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Release

Using the LightScalpel CO2 laser, we perform precise frenectomies or tongue tie release procedures to improve tongue mobility and function.

6. Reinforcing Healthy Habits

We provide guidance on maintaining nasal breathing, proper posture, and incorporating myofunctional exercises into daily routines.

Why Choose Dr. Gary Adams and the TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center?

Dr. Adams and his team are dedicated to treating the root causes of mouth breathing, not just the symptoms. Our holistic approach ensures that each child receives personalized care aimed at promoting long-term health and well-being.

Take the First Step Towards Better Breathing

If you’re concerned about your child’s mouth breathing, contact the TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Together, we can help your child achieve healthier breathing patterns and improved quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment

 

MASPE vs MARPE Palatal Expanders: What’s the Difference?

MARPE is a well known Palatal Expander for Adults and Teenagers

If you’re exploring airway orthodontic treatments such as adult palatal expanders, you’ve likely come across the term MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion). While MARPE is widely recognized, fewer patients are familiar with a safer, gentler alternative called MASPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion). This post compares MASPE to MARPE expanders. At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we’re dedicated to educating our patients about the differences between these techniques and helping you select the best option for your orthodontic and airway needs.

 

MASPE compared to MARPE

 

What is MARPE?

MARPE is a well-known orthodontic treatment designed to widen the upper jaw using an appliance anchored to mini-implants. The expansion typically happens rapidly—often within a matter of days or weeks. While effective, rapid expansion can cause significant pressure on cranial bones, potentially leading to discomfort, headaches, jaw tension, and unwanted dental movement such as tipping or spacing between teeth.

Introducing MASPE: A Gentler Approach

MASPE, or Miniscrew-Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion, provides a more comfortable, biologically respectful alternative to MARPE. Rather than quick, forceful adjustments, MASPE employs gradual and gentle activation of the expansion device, spreading the process over weeks to months. This slow, controlled approach ensures minimal stress on your cranial structure and significantly reduces unwanted side effects.

Benefits of MASPE:

  • Reduced Cranial Stress: Slow expansion significantly minimizes pressure on the bones of the skull, reducing risks of headaches, TMJ issues, and cranial imbalances.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Patients typically experience significantly less discomfort compared to rapid protocols.
  • Fewer Dental Side Effects: Gentle expansion dramatically reduces undesirable tooth tipping and spacing issues.
  • Greater Stability: Slower expansion means better bone remodeling, resulting in less relapse and improved long-term outcomes.
  • Improved Airway Function: Gradual expansion enhances airway space predictably, benefiting patients suffering from sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing.

Comparing MASPE and MARPE: Quick Reference

Aspect MASPE (Slow) MARPE (Rapid)
Speed Gradual (weeks/months) Fast (days/weeks)
Patient Comfort High Potentially Low
Cranial Pressure Minimal High
Dental Movement Controlled, minimal tipping Higher risk of tipping
Treatment Stability High Moderate

The Combined MASPE and Clear Braces Protocol

At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we’ve developed an innovative treatment protocol combining MASPE with clear braces (such as Invisalign). This combined approach offers two key benefits:

  1. Avoiding Unsightly Gaps: One common concern with traditional MARPE treatment is the temporary gap that often develops between the front teeth. By integrating MASPE with clear braces, teeth are gently guided into their optimal positions simultaneously with palatal expansion. This method ensures that patients avoid noticeable gaps, enjoying both aesthetic and functional improvements from the very start.
  2. Reduced Overall Treatment Time: By concurrently expanding the palate and straightening the teeth, this combined approach cuts down the total duration of orthodontic treatment. Patients can achieve their desired results faster and with greater comfort compared to traditional methods.

Learn more about our combined MASPE and clear braces protocol here.

Is MASPE Right for You?

MASPE is ideal for patients who:

  • Are sensitive to cranial or jaw discomfort
  • Have TMJ disorders or chronic headaches
  • Prefer a gentler, holistic approach to orthodontics
  • Want stable, long-lasting results with fewer complications
  • Require airway improvements for better breathing and sleep

Why Choose TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center?

Our practice specializes in holistic, airway-focused orthodontics. We prioritize patient comfort, safety, and long-term health outcomes. With extensive expertise in MASPE and combined clear brace protocols, we ensure your treatment is personalized, gentle, and effective.

Ready to explore whether MASPE is right for you or your child? Contact us today at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center for a personalized consultation.

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