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
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
Watch this video to see how Myobrace Works
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ in Children
Q: What is pediatric TMJ and how does it affect my child?
Q: What are the signs my child might need TMJ treatment?
Q: Where can I find a pediatric TMJ specialist near me?
“Children with sleep-disordered breathing were up to 60% more likely to show behavioral difficulties by age 7.”
— Journal of Pediatrics
Why Early Treatment Matters
- Prevent the need for future surgeries
- Improve sleep quality, attention, and growth
- Support normal facial development and airway function
Doctor & Customer Approved
Trusted By Our Many Patients
Meet Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson
Your TMJ & Sleep Apnea Dentist in Payson, UT
Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson is a clinician dedicated to helping people reclaim comfort, balance, and better sleep through advanced TMJ and sleep therapy. With a deep understanding of how airway, muscle, and joint function work together, he takes a whole-body approach to restoring natural alignment and long-term wellness.
As a graduate of the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, where he excelled in the top five percent of his class, Dr. Gunnerson has invested thousands of hours in post-graduate education to ensure he provides top-tier care to his patients in Payson.
Known for his approachable style and genuine care, Dr. Gunnerson believes that healing starts with understanding, not just treating symptoms. His work blends clinical precision with real-world practicality, helping patients experience life free from the pain, tension, and fatigue that often go unnoticed for years.
Whether in the clinic or behind the podcast mic, his goal is simple: to help people breathe better, sleep better, and live better.
Meet Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson
Your TMJ & Sleep Apnea Dentist in Payson, UT
Meet Dr. Valenzuela
Empowering Health Through Restful Sleep and Whole-Body Wellness
Dr. Valenzuela is a triple board-certified physician who focuses on helping pediatric and adult patients achieve optimal health through quality sleep and a general approach to wellness. With a focus on sleep and its impact on overall well-being, Dr. V is dedicated to helping individuals feel well-rested and refreshed, every single day.
Meet Dr. Valenzuela
Empowering Health Through Restful Sleep and Whole-Body Wellness
Dr. Valenzuela is a triple board-certified physician who focuses on helping pediatric and adult patients achieve optimal health through quality sleep and a general approach to wellness. With a focus on sleep and its impact on overall well-being, Dr. V is dedicated to helping individuals feel well-rested and refreshed, every single day.
Meet Dr. Mindy Lunceford
Your Myofunctional Therapy Specialist & RDH in Payson, UT
Since graduating from Dental Hygiene school in 1997, I've been on a mission to help smiles shine a little brighter and lives feel a little healthier. In 2020, I added myofunctional therapy to my toolkit, blending science and care to support both kids and adults on their path to better health. There's nothing quite like seeing someone thrive-and knowing you played a small part in that transformation. I've been joyfully married since 1995, and life has blessed us with five amazing adult children and two sweet grandchildren who keep our hearts full and our schedules delightfully busy. When I'm not working, you'll likely find me with soil on my hands in the garden, a spoon in my hand in the kitchen, or a suitcase by the door—ready for the next adventure. I have a soft spot for baking (especially with real, high-quality vanilla), musicals, cozy theater nights, and wandering through beautiful places. Switzerland and Japan are among my favorite travel destinations, but a piece of my heart will always belong to Grenada, West Indies, where I lived for nearly two years. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving-because food, family, and gratitude are the best combination. I believe caramel apples are a perfectly acceptable snack at any time of year, that shrimp and steak are better when shared, and that nothing beats the flavor of a sun-warmed, freshly picked peach. And if you ask me what my favorite color is, I'll say: the colors of sunrise and sunset—because that's when the world feels most magical.