Pediatric TMJ/TMD & Sleep Disordered Breathing

During childhood, the rapid growth of the jaw, facial muscles, and airway can be disrupted by habits like mouth breathing or misaligned bites, leading to sleep-related issues that affect focus, behavior, and development.

Don’t wait! Early intervention is key. Take the first step toward TMJ relief and better sleep for your little one today.

    Warning Signs and When
    to Seek Help

    If your child is struggling with frequent jaw discomfort, clicking or popping noises when opening their mouth, or difficulty chewing, it may be more than just a phase—they could be experiencing symptoms of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. These issues are often overlooked in children but can have a significant impact on their ability to sleep, focus, and thrive. At the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Utah, we provide compassionate, personalized TMJ therapy designed specifically for young patients. Our experienced team will work closely with you to identify the root cause of your child’s symptoms and create a treatment plan that supports their long-term health and development.

    • Chronic mouth breathing
    • Snoring, gasping, or restless sleep
    • Jaw clicking, clenching, or teeth grinding
    • Night terrors or frequent awakenings
    • Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, or other behavioral concerns
    If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to Message Us or give us a call at (385) 446-4947 to schedule a pediatric evaluation and begin improving your child’s sleep and well-being.

    Step 1

    Book a Pediatric Evaluation

    Call  (385) 446-4947  or make an appointment online to begin your child’s journey toward better breathing, restful sleep, and healthy development with Payson’s trusted TMJ and airway team.

    Step 2

    Begin Personalized Treatment

    Visit our caring team in Payson for expert care using gentle, child-friendly therapies—from myofunctional exercises to custom appliances—all designed to support healthy jaw growth and airway function.

    Step 3

    Watch Your Child Thrive

    As your child breathes easier and sleeps more soundly, you’ll see lasting changes in their focus, energy, and well-being. Early intervention today lays the foundation for lifelong health.

    Our Approach and Benefits of Early Care

    We emphasize early, non-invasive treatments that guide healthy growth and restful sleep

    Oral
    Appliance

    Myofunctional
    Therapy

    Collaborative
    Care

    The Myobrace® System

    The Myobrace® System is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment designed for children aged 3 to 15. It addresses the underlying causes of crooked teeth—such as poor oral habits like mouth breathing, incorrect tongue posture, and improper swallowing—without the need for braces or extractions. 

     

    Primary Benefits of Myobrace®

    • Corrects poor oral habits
    • Develops and aligns the jaws
    • Straightens teeth naturally
    • Optimizes facial development
    • Improves overall health
    • Promotes healthy eating habits
    Myofunctional Therapy
    Get Relief Now

    Myofunctional Therapy

    Through fun, age‐appropriate exercises (blowing games, tongue slides, cheek puffing), we retrain the tongue and facial muscles. Correct muscle patterns encourage nasal breathing, support proper jaw posture, and help stabilize the airway as your child grows.

    Consulting with another doctor

    Collaborative Pediatric Care

    We partner with your child’s pediatrician and ENT specialists to evaluate adenoid and tonsil health, manage nasal or sinus issues, and coordinate medical and dental treatments—ensuring a fully integrated plan for airway and craniofacial development.

    Child Boy Having Tooth Ache

    Helping Your Child Breathe Well and Thrive

    Healthy breathing and uninterrupted sleep are cornerstones of your child’s growth. Our holistic, non-invasive approach is specifically designed for growing patients, combining gentle jaw alignment techniques with muscle-strengthening exercises. By addressing TMJ dysfunction and airway restriction early, we set the stage for improved behavior, focus, and overall well-being—inside and out.

    Why Early Treatment Matters

    • Prevent the need for future surgeries
    • Improve sleep quality, attention, and growth
    • Support normal facial development and airway function

    “Children with sleep-disordered breathing were up to 60% more likely to show
    behavioral difficulties by age 7.”
    — Journal of Pediatrics

    Doctor & Customer Approved

    Trusted By Our Many Patients

    Doctor Gunnerson
    Meet Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson

    Your TMJ & Sleep Apnea Dentist in Payson, UT

    Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson graduated from the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, where he excelled and graduated in the top five percent of his class. Dr. Gunnerson has invested heavily in his post-graduate education, accumulating thousands of hours of training to ensure that he delivers top-tier care to his patients in Payson.

    Doctor Gunnerson
    Meet Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson

    Your TMJ & Sleep Apnea Dentist in Payson, UT

    Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson graduated from the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, where he excelled and graduated in the top five percent of his class. Dr. Gunnerson has invested heavily in his post-graduate education, accumulating thousands of hours of training to ensure that he delivers top-tier care to his patients in Payson.

    We Look Forward
    To Meeting You

    Start your journey to better sleep and lasting relief. At The TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Utah, we help you live pain-free and wake up refreshed. Reach out today to begin your transformation.

    Contact Us Today!