We believe that everyone deserves a good night’s sleep and a pain-free life, and we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve just that. If you are suffering from TMJ disorders or sleep apnea, request an appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
Our mission is to positively affect the quality of life with those suffering the consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and/or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder with oral appliance therapy. We strive to follow the words of Thomas Edison, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
Our vision is to educate the public on the dangers of untreated snoring and apnea and their link to life threatening conditions and to relieve the symptoms of orofacial pain associated with TMD with conservative treatment. We also aim to educate physicians of the importance to offer Oral Appliance Therapy when appropriate for treating these conditions.
Dr. Markham is a father of 7 children and is enjoying spending time with his 8 grandchildren. He spent 13 years abroad in the countries of Austria, China, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Peru. Just as his children and grandchildren all have different characteristics and talents, while living abroad he tried to get to know the people of the countries he resided in and grew to love their diversities.
While practicing dentistry he suffered with 5-7 days a week of migraine headaches, back, neck and shoulder pain. Through many hours of continuing education, he was led to Dr. Farrand Robson, an Oral Surgeon and instructor at the University of Washington. This is where he found the way to relieve himself and others of the symptoms of a poor airway through his training in Oral Systemic Balance (OSB). Since wearing his appliance, he has not had a migraine or even a headache. He wants to share this with everyone he meets so that they can also be pain free.
There are many ways of treating TMJ disorders, ranging from non-invasive therapy and bite splints to injections or surgery. Left untreated, however, TMJ disorders can lead to headaches, muscle pain, malocclusion and tooth damage from grinding or clenching.
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing. When patients experience disorders of this joint, they are said to have a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness near the jaw, as well as popping or clicking in the joint when speaking or chewing.
Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that interferes with healthy breathing patterns during sleep. It is characterized by snoring, which may be so loud that it affects the sleep quality of bed partners. Having sleep apnea can put a strain on relationships, cause daytime fatigue, and even lead to other secondary conditions like depression. Worse, severe cases of sleep apnea can be life threatening.
Braces are the standard for orthodontic correction, but few adults want to wear a mouthful of metal for a year or more while teeth are moved into better alignment. Clear Aligners address this problem by offering a discreet alternative to metal braces. No brackets and wires. Instead, you’ll receive a customized set of clear aligners that you’ll wear for at least 22 hours every day.