Our Expertise in Orofacial Pain and TMJ Disorders
Orofacial pain involves complex conditions affecting the jaw, face, head, neck, and mouth. TMJ disorders frequently drive symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or locking, facial muscle tightness, headaches, ear pain, and chewing difficulties. These issues often intersect with broader musculoskeletal problems, such as neck, shoulder, or back pain, creating widespread discomfort. In addition to TMJ disorders, we treat a wide range of other common orofacial pain conditions, including neuropathic pain (such as trigeminal neuralgia), burning mouth syndrome, various headache disorders, atypical facial pain, and other nerve-related or neurovascular issues.
We take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care. What sets us apart from other practices in Wisconsin is our in-house physical therapy team, with decades of combined experience and specialized training in managing TMJ disorders and related musculoskeletal conditions. Physical therapy remains one of the most effective, conservative, and essential treatments for these patients, helping to alleviate muscle tension, restore jaw function, improve posture and alignment, and address compensatory pain patterns throughout the body.
Our team also includes a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician with expertise in managing chronic widespread pain, enabling us to treat not only localized jaw and facial symptoms but also the broader effects of persistent pain on your daily life and well-being.
Specialized Care for Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
We offer expert, non-surgical management of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea using custom oral appliance therapy. These FDA-cleared devices reposition the jaw to maintain an open airway during sleep, significantly reducing or eliminating snoring and apnea episodes while enhancing sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health—often serving as an ideal solution for those who prefer or require an alternative to CPAP or surgery.
The Important Connection Between Orofacial Pain and Sleep Disorders
There is significant overlap between orofacial pain/TMJ disorders and sleep-related breathing issues—a connection supported by growing clinical research. Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring can contribute to or worsen TMJ problems through mechanisms such as:
- Repeated airway obstructions leading to increased jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism) as the body instinctively tries to stabilize the airway.
- Fragmented sleep and nocturnal hypoxemia, which heighten pain sensitivity and contribute to chronic muscle tension in the jaw and face.
- A bidirectional cycle where poor sleep exacerbates orofacial pain, and persistent pain disrupts sleep further.
Studies show that patients with TMJ disorders have a higher prevalence of undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea, and vice versa—creating a vicious cycle of pain, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. By addressing both aspects in one integrated practice, we help break this cycle, offering more complete and lasting relief.
Why Choose Us?
We are proud to be the only group practice in the state of Wisconsin with specialists who are board-certified and/or residency-trained in orofacial pain (through the American Board of Orofacial Pain - ABOP) and/or dental sleep medicine (through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine - AADSM). This level of advanced, specialized credentialing ensures the highest standards of diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.
We have built our practice as a true center of excellence for orofacial pain and sleep-related breathing disorders, with multiple convenient locations across Wisconsin. Our fully integrated, in-house team—including orofacial pain experts, physical therapists, and a PM&R physician—allows for seamless collaboration, faster evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and superior results. Our providers from different disciplines communicate routinely to coordinate care, ensuring the most comprehensive experience possible all under one roof.
Our longstanding presence in the community, combined with our dedication to staying at the forefront of evidence-based advancements, means you receive care that is both time-tested and cutting-edge. We listen attentively to your concerns, conduct thorough assessments, and partner with you to restore comfort, function, and restful sleep.
We welcome new patients and are here to support you on your path to better health.