Airway
TMJ disorder can have an indirect relation to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many patients that present with a retruded lower jaw have a history of orthodontics in their youth. When these patients mature, the retruded jaw reduces development of the airway and subsequently can likely lead to OSA. Treatment for TMJ disorder can have a positive affect for increasing airway if properly diagnosed. An appliance worn to sleep is simply not enough to comprehensively treat OSA. For many patients, the airway must also be taken into consideration and addressed for their long-term health.