Dentist vs. Sleep Dentist
General dentists care for your teeth and gums. A sleep and TMJ dentist focuses on your jaw joints, facial muscles, and airway, which matters if you have jaw pain, headaches, or snoring.
At Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, WV, our practice centers entirely on sleep and TMJ dentistry.
General Dentistry
General dentists maintain oral hygiene, treat decay, repair teeth, and monitor gum health, usually at six-month visits. Some may spot signs of grinding, but complex jaw disorders and sleep breathing problems require advanced, dedicated training.
What Makes a Sleep Dentist Different
A sleep and TMJ dentist evaluates the whole system: how your jaws fit together, how your jaw muscles work day and night, and how well you breathe at rest.
A sleep dentist bridges the gap between dental care and airway health, understanding how a restricted airway can trigger nighttime clenching.
Read about TMJ and sleep apnea.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Many people struggle to use CPAP consistently. A sleep dentist provides oral appliance therapy: custom, quiet devices that support the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open.
TMJ Expertise
General Approach
A basic, generic night guard for simple grinding.
TMJ Specialist
Diagnostic imaging, jaw alignment tracking, and targeted therapy for the mechanical, muscular, and inflammatory causes of joint pain.
Explore TMJ splint therapy.
Collaborative Care
We work with local sleep specialists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals, and use digital imaging and diagnostic tools to monitor your progress.
Common Questions
What's the difference between a dentist and a sleep dentist?
A general dentist focuses on teeth and gums. A sleep and TMJ dentist has focused training in the relationship between the jaw joints, facial muscles, and upper airway.
Can a sleep dentist treat sleep apnea?
A sleep dentist provides oral appliance therapy, custom devices that keep the airway open, as an alternative for people who struggle with CPAP.
Is sleep dentistry covered by insurance?
Because these are medical treatments for recognized conditions, they're frequently covered by Medicare and major medical insurance plans.
Why see a TMJ dentist instead of getting a night guard?
A TMJ dentist looks at the root mechanical, muscular, and inflammatory causes of joint pain with imaging and targeted therapy, rather than only providing a generic guard.
Related Topics
Find the Right Path
Schedule a consultation with Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley to discuss your symptoms and insurance benefits.
Take the First Step to Better Sleep
If you’re ready to get the restful sleep you deserve, it’s time to speak to one of our sleep professionals. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. If you’re still unsure, take our short sleep quiz that identifies the most common sleep-related issues to see which ones you’ve experienced.