Dr. Brown is a graduate of Georgetown Dental School and an international speaker for TMD. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and holds memberships with many academies. His extensive knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep and orthodontics gives him a unique perspective.
Q: Why choose Sleep & TMJ Therapy?
A: Limiting my practice to treating craniofacial disorders and sleep-related issues allows me to concentrate on what I do best: get to the often-misdiagnosed root of patients’ symptoms, address underlying causes and offer effective alternatives to pain medication or surgery. We take “concierge” customer service to a new level, ensuring patients’ individualized needs are met with compassionate, expert care. We value teamwork and often confer with other specialists to ensure we provide the most precise diagnoses and best treatment plans possible.
Q: What is the connection between sleep apnea and TMD?
A: In short, jaw placement and alignment. Recent studies show that more than half of patients who suffer from TMD also have trouble sleeping. And about half of patients with sleep apnea also experience jaw pain. Not only is there a proven correlation, but one can exacerbate the other.
For instance, TMD symptoms can worsen when sleeping in certain positions, especially if there’s pressure on the jaw joint. But, changing sleep positions to reduce jaw pain can impact the airway, increasing the risk of developing or worsening sleep apnea. A misaligned jaw can also restrict the airway.
Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
A: I love helping people get their lives back. Chronic pain can drastically affect one’s personality and impede quality of life. Every day, we see patients who feel hopeless, have been in pain for years and have seen doctor after doctor but are still searching for answers. Our work transforms patients’ lives by providing solutions for long-term pain.