Jaw, facial pain and sleep · Sandgate, North Brisbane
TMJ and Sleep Therapy in Sandgate
Help with jaw pain, teeth grinding, snoring and sleep-related concerns at our Sandgate clinic. Our principal dentist, Dr Andrew Bachour, holds master's degrees in Sleep Medicine and in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, with a special interest in TMJ, orofacial pain and airway.
- Jaw and facial pain
- Teeth grinding
- Snoring and sleep apnoea
- Non-surgical options
Not sure where to start?
Tell us your main concern when you book. Every assessment begins with a thorough history and examination.
Find your concern →Choose your concern
TMJ and sleep-related dental care in Sandgate
Jaw pain, grinding and sleep-related breathing problems often overlap, but each needs its own assessment. Start with the one that sounds most like you.
Jaw pain and orofacial pain
Jaw pain, clicking or locking, facial muscle pain, and headaches or ear pain that may relate to the jaw.
Jaw pain assessment →
Teeth grinding and clenching
Night-time grinding or daytime clenching, tooth wear, cracked teeth and tired jaw muscles.
Teeth grinding →
Sleep apnoea and snoring
Custom oral appliances for suitable patients, working alongside your GP or sleep physician.
Sleep apnoea and snoring →
Signs worth checking
Experiencing any of these?
If any of these sound familiar for you or someone in your family, get in touch and we can talk through whether an assessment is a good next step.
01
A sore jaw or head on waking
Waking with jaw ache, facial tightness or unexplained head pain.
02
Grinding or clenching
You grind your teeth, or you hear a family member grinding at night.
03
Snoring or waking suddenly
Loud snoring, or waking suddenly during the night.
04
Finding CPAP difficult
You or a loved one have been prescribed CPAP but are struggling to use it.
Our approach
Looking for the cause, not just the symptom
TMJ problems sit within a broader group of craniofacial pain conditions, which also includes chronic head and facial pain, recurring headaches and neck pain. These symptoms are often a sign of an underlying problem, so we aim to understand the cause before recommending anything.
Children and adults
We see both adults and children with jaw, pain and sleep-related concerns, and coordinate with your family's doctors where needed.
Other causes considered
Headaches and ear pain have many possible causes, so we may suggest seeing your GP as well. We refer when another professional is better placed to help.
Sleep apnoea needs a medical diagnosis
Dentists do not diagnose sleep apnoea. It is diagnosed from a sleep study reviewed by a doctor, and we work with your GP or sleep physician.
How sleep apnoea care works →Your assessment
Assessment with Dr Andrew Bachour
Assessment starts with a full history, then an examination of jaw movement, the joints, muscles, bite and teeth. A 3D CBCT scan may be used to look closely at the jaw joints when clinically indicated. Options are discussed only once the cause of your symptoms is understood.
Non-surgical options
Options we may discuss
The right option depends on your diagnosis. These are some of the non-surgical approaches we may talk through once we understand what is going on.
Occlusal splints
A custom-made appliance worn over the teeth. For grinding it mainly protects the teeth, and for jaw pain it may be one option depending on the diagnosis. Splints do not suit everyone.
Teeth grinding →Mandibular advancement splints
A custom-made device worn during sleep that holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open, for suitable patients who snore or have sleep apnoea diagnosed by a doctor.
Sleep apnoea and snoring →Referral and teamwork
Some concerns are best managed with your GP, a sleep physician, an ENT specialist or another health professional. We will tell you when that is the case.
Jaw pain assessment →Results vary
No treatment can guarantee your symptoms will resolve. Our aim is to understand the cause and discuss options that may help, so you can make an informed choice.
Cost and suitability
How much does TMJ and jaw pain treatment cost?
Jaw pain, clicking and headaches can have many different causes, so the cost of treatment depends on what we find. We always start with an assessment of your jaw joints, muscles, teeth and bite, with 3D CBCT imaging where it is clinically appropriate.
Depending on the findings, care may involve advice and self-management, a custom oral splint, bite treatment or a referral to another health professional such as a physiotherapist. After your assessment we explain the options and their costs in writing before any treatment.
Start with an assessment
You receive an itemised estimate with item numbers, so you can check what your health fund may contribute.
Who TMJ and jaw assessment is for
Jaw pain or tightness
Pain in the jaw joint, face or chewing muscles, especially when eating.
Clicking, popping or locking
A jaw that clicks, catches or does not open fully.
Morning headaches
Headaches or sore jaw muscles when you wake up.
Clenching and grinding
Worn or cracked teeth, or a partner who hears you grinding at night.
Meet your dentists
Experienced, highly qualified and genuinely kind
All of our dentists are registered with Ahpra and keep learning well beyond their degrees. TMJ, orofacial pain and sleep-related assessments are with our principal dentist, Dr Andrew Bachour.
Dr Andrew Bachour
Principal Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Master’s degrees in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics and in Sleep Medicine. Special interest in TMJ, orofacial pain and airway health.
Dr Michael Au
Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Known for his gentle touch and clear explanations, with advanced training in restorative dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr Pei San Chan
Dentist
BDS (Adelaide), GradDip Orthodontics (JCU), DipOrtho (UJI). Warm, calm care for patients of all ages, including children and orthodontics.
Visit us
Find us on Brighton Road, Sandgate
119A Brighton RoadSandgate QLD 4017
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Questions
TMJ and sleep therapy questions
How much does TMJ treatment cost?
TMJ problems have many different causes, so the cost depends on what the assessment finds and which treatment suits you. We explain your options and give you a written estimate before any treatment.
What does TMJ mean?
The TMJs are the two joints in front of your ears that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Problems with these joints and the jaw muscles are grouped as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Do you diagnose sleep apnoea?
No. Sleep apnoea is diagnosed by a doctor from a sleep study. We assess whether a custom oral appliance may be suitable and work with your GP or sleep physician.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to book. For snoring or suspected sleep apnoea, we suggest seeing your GP first and bringing any sleep study report to your appointment.
Is jaw clicking a problem?
Painless clicking is common and does not always need treatment. We assess it through your history and an examination.
What is the difference between an occlusal splint and a sleep appliance?
An occlusal splint is worn over the teeth, mainly to protect them from grinding or as part of jaw care. A mandibular advancement splint is worn during sleep and holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open.
Will I need a scan?
A 3D CBCT scan is often used to look closely at the jaw joints. We explain why before any scan is taken.
Can you guarantee my symptoms will go away?
No. Results vary. Our aim is to understand the cause and discuss options that may help.
Talk to us about jaw pain, grinding or sleep
Book an assessment at our Sandgate clinic, or call us to talk through which appointment suits your concern.