TMJ & Airway Health

Root-Cause Care for Lasting Comfort and Wellness

At Howard Dental Center, we believe that healthy muscles, joints, teeth, and airways don’t break down without a reason — and our goal is to help you uncover the "why" behind your symptoms, not just manage them.

Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, tension headaches, worn or broken teeth, clenching and grinding, airway issues, or disrupted sleep — these are often signs of an underlying imbalance. We approach TMJ and airway concerns by looking at the full picture of your health and working to restore both form and function, so you can experience long-term comfort and stability.

Transform Your TMJ Health

Treating TMJ issues effectively can improve jaw function, relieve pain, and enhance your overall well-being by addressing the underlying causes of joint stress.

  • Better Sleep Quality

  • Improved Jaw Function

  • Pain Relief

  • Reduced Headaches

An Interdisciplinary, Patient-Centered Approach

No one practitioner has all the answers — and that’s why collaboration is at the heart of our care. We partner closely with orthodontists, oral myofunctional therapists, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive and thoughtful treatment possible. This team-based approach allows us to address not just symptoms, but the root causes of imbalance.

Our treatment philosophy blends principles taught by The Breathe Institute — which emphasizes airway health, proper nasal breathing, and muscle function — with the time-tested strategies of Bioesthetic Dentistry, which focuses on restoring lost form to create stability and prevent future breakdown.

Tools for Empowerment, Not Dependence

We believe that lasting health begins with understanding and self-care. Our goal is to equip you with tools and knowledge you can use at home to improve your condition and support your health naturally — from breathing exercises and habit awareness to muscle training and posture guidance.

But we also recognize that when form has been lost, whether through wear, injury, or growth patterns, thoughtful intervention can restore comfort, stability, and even prevent future dental treatment. Sometimes restoring form is the path to reclaiming both function and ease.

A Holistic Path to Long-Term Wellness

Your jaw, teeth, muscles, and airway are designed to work in harmony. When that harmony is disrupted, your body often compensates in ways that create pain, tension, and wear. Our work together is about gently unraveling that cycle, restoring balance, and helping you feel your best — today and for years to come.

If you’ve been searching for answers to persistent TMJ discomfort, clenching and grinding, or airway-related concerns, we’re here to walk that path with you.

Personalized TMJ Solutions

Patients undergoing TMJ treatment at Howard Dental Center can expect a comprehensive evaluation followed by a personalized care plan, which may include MAGO splint therapy, bite alignment adjustments, and stress management techniques. Our holistic approach ensures not just symptom relief but also improved overall jaw function and enhanced quality of life.

  • “Love this place! They removed my root canals and cleaned them out so well. The procedure was super quick, and I haven’t had a problem since. Everyone is super kind and helpful there. Highly recommend.”

    - HannaLee V.

  • “Dr. Wackwitz and his entire staff are amazing, and I wish I had known about them before. I’ve had awful experiences at past dentists, but after one appointment with Dr. Wackwitz, I knew he actually cared about his patients. He listens to understand and makes sure you know all of your options so you can make an informed choice. He doesn’t pressure you into making a decision. At my root canal extraction appointment, he made sure I was comfortable with the procedure before beginning and walked me through everything he was going to do before he did it. If you’re looking for a dentist who listens to you and wants to help you be the healthiest version of yourself, I would highly recommend Howard Dental Center!!”

    - Lisa G.

  • “Dr. Brian Wackwitz and his staff at Howard Dental Center are great! After graduating college, I went to a larger chain clinic where I was a number. The service was good, but I felt like the advice and education I received about my teeth was generic to all patients. Dr. Brian and his staff took the time to get to know me and understand the challenges between me and where I wanted to be. They focus on empowering customers to take the steps necessary to achieve their dental goals. Call Howard Dental Center today if you're ready for a proactive approach to your dental care!”

    - Joseph M.

  • “Dr. Brian is one of a kind! He takes all the time in the world with the patient to educate them on their oral health and how it affects all the other systems of the body! I have never been listened to so carefully and given so much time to discuss and express my concerns! Dr Brian is very friendly, knowledgeable, and innovative, and got all the new tools and tricks that most dentists are not even up to speed yet! He is administering ozone therapy, which not everyone around this area is capable of doing!  He is a game-changer dentist!”

    - Irina K.

  • “Amazing dentist and staff! They are extremely knowledgeable in overall health & wellbeing. Taking a more holistic approach to dentistry. I’m grateful to be a patient here!”

    - Robin

  • “My search for a dentist has come to an end! Dr. Brian and the staff are outstanding.”

    - Isaiah W.

  • “Dr. Brian and his staff take the extra time to make you feel comfortable at every appointment, especially if you have high anxiety with dental work. Because of his demeanor and progressive knowledge of autoimmune diseases and dental health, I was able to remove an old metal bridge. I feel great and could not be more happy with the results!”

    - Danielle S.

  • “My husband and I could not have been more impressed with a dentist after our first appt. with Dr. Wackwitz. He is all about preventing more dental problems. He is truly looking out for the patient's best interest. We would highly recommend him if you are searching for a dentist.”

    - Judy D.

Holistic Approach to Better Breathing

To address airway issues and sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea, we evaluate your jaw and mouth structure. Using holistic diagnostic tools and tailored treatments, we focus on enhancing overall wellness by improving airway function to optimize your breathing.

Experience Airway Relief

Caring for your airway improves your overall health by enhancing breathing function and reducing sleep disturbances.

  • Better Breathing Function

  • Enhanced Focus and Concentration

  • Improved Sleep Quality

  • Increased Energy Levels

Individual Treatment Options

Patients receiving airway treatment at Howard Dental Center can expect a thorough evaluation using advanced diagnostic tools, followed by a personalized care plan to enhance airway function and improve overall health. Treatments may involve orthodontic adjustments, custom oral appliances, and lifestyle recommendations.

Q&As: TMJ and Airway

  • Malocclusion simply means your teeth don’t fit together in an ideal way. When the bite is imbalanced, your jaw joints and muscles often have to work harder to compensate, which can lead to strain, tension, and long-term breakdown of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). We see this not as an isolated problem, but as part of the larger system involving your airway, posture, and muscle function.

  • TMJ issues can show up in ways you might not expect. Common signs include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when chewing, tension headaches, facial soreness, ear pain, difficulty opening wide, and even worn or cracked teeth. Many patients also experience neck tension, poor sleep, and teeth grinding — all signs that the jaw, muscles, and airway are not working in harmony.

  • We take a collaborative and thorough approach to diagnosis. During your initial exam, we’ll explore your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. We perform a detailed evaluation of your jaw joints, muscles, bite, airway, and posture — often working alongside orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, and ENT specialists to fully understand the root cause of your concerns. Our goal is always to see the whole picture, not just one piece of it.

  • No two TMJ cases are alike. For some patients, the solution is as simple as learning new muscle habits or improving nasal breathing. For others, restoring the form and function of the bite, supporting the airway, or collaborating with specialists is key. Treatment might include bite adjustments, splint therapy, airway expansion, myofunctional therapy, posture work, or orthodontic solutions. Our focus is always on prevention, long-term comfort, and giving you the tools to support your own progress.

  • A healthy airway allows your body to get the oxygen it needs — especially at night. When the airway is narrow or obstructed, it can lead to snoring, disrupted sleep, fatigue, and even more serious health issues. By improving airway function through muscle therapy, structural support, or collaboration with ENT and orthodontic specialists, many patients experience better sleep, reduced clenching and grinding, and even improved overall health and energy.

  • Each patient’s journey is unique. Some people notice relief within weeks as muscle function improves, while others experience more gradual changes, especially if structural correction or orthodontic care is part of the plan. We’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you track progress and adjust the plan as your body begins to heal and adapt.

Contact our friendly team with further questions and to book your initial consultation. We look forward to improving your quality of life!

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