TMJ & Sleep Apnea

Night guards, EMFACE and sleep apnea care for jaw pain, grinding and snoring, in Hilton Head & Bluffton.

Relief for Jaw Pain, Teeth Grinding and Sleep Apnea

Jaw pain, clenching, teeth grinding and loud snoring can all affect how well you sleep and how you feel during the day. At Ocean Dental on Hilton Head Island, we look at your jaw joints, teeth, bite and sleep symptoms together, and explain which treatment suits your situation.

We offer three treatments for patients from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton: a custom TMJ dental mouth guard for clenching and grinding, EMFACE TMJ treatment for the jaw muscles, and oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea.

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

Jaw and sleep problems often overlap, and many patients recognize themselves in more than one of the lists below. Use them as a starting point; your dentist will confirm what is going on at your exam.

TMJ Dental Mouth Guard

Often the first step if you:

  • wake up with a sore jaw, tight temples or headaches
  • clench or grind your teeth, especially at night
  • have been told by a partner that you grind in your sleep
  • have worn, chipped or sensitive teeth
  • hear clicking or popping when you open your mouth

What it involves: a guard made to fit your own teeth and bite, usually worn at night. It protects your teeth from grinding and can ease the load on your jaw joints and muscles. Learn more about the TMJ dental mouth guard

EMFACE TMJ Treatment

May be an option if you:

  • have jaw muscles that feel tight or tired
  • would like a non-invasive, needle-free treatment
  • want to address the jaw muscles as well as protect your teeth

What it involves: a series of short sessions with applicators placed on the skin of the face. EMFACE is provided together with our sister practice, Ocean Aesthetic & Wellness, at the same address. Learn more about EMFACE TMJ treatment

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Worth asking about if you:

  • snore loudly
  • wake up gasping, or have been told that you stop breathing during sleep
  • wake up tired, with a dry mouth or with morning headaches
  • feel sleepy during the day
  • have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and find CPAP hard to use

What it involves: sleep apnea is diagnosed first, and we offer a home sleep study so you can be tested in your own bed. A custom oral appliance is then made to hold your lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep your airway open while you sleep. Learn more about sleep apnea treatment

Not Sure Where to Start?

These symptoms can have other causes too, so the first step is an exam. We will look at your jaw, teeth and bite, ask about your sleep and explain your options. Request an appointment or call (843) 342-6677.

Ready for a more comfortable jaw and better sleep?

Schedule your appointment with Ocean Dental in Hilton Head Island & Bluffton today and find out which treatment is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ and Sleep Apnea


Modern dental treatment room Ocean Dental Hilton Head Island

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joints, which connect your lower jaw to your skull. A TMJ disorder can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.

Yes. Clenching and grinding put extra load on the jaw joints and muscles and can wear down your teeth. A custom mouth guard protects the teeth and can ease the strain on the jaw.

They can occur together. Some people with sleep apnea also clench or grind their teeth at night, which is why we ask about both your jaw and your sleep.

Yes. Sleep apnea has to be diagnosed before an oral appliance is made. We offer a home sleep study, so you can be tested in your own bed.

For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for those who find CPAP hard to use, a custom oral appliance can be an option. We will explain what is suitable in your case.

Common contributors include clenching and grinding, stress, an uneven bite, arthritis in the joint and injury to the jaw. Often more than one factor is involved.

A store-bought guard comes in a generic shape. A custom guard is made to fit your teeth and bite, so it is usually more comfortable, stays in place better and lasts longer.

With good care, often several years. Bring it to your check-ups so we can look at the fit and any wear.

No. Many people snore without having sleep apnea. Loud snoring together with pauses in breathing, gasping or daytime tiredness is a good reason to be tested.

Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and daytime drowsiness, so it is worth having it checked.

Coverage varies by plan. Night guards are sometimes covered by dental insurance, and sleep apnea appliances are often billed to medical insurance. EMFACE is generally not covered. Our team can help you check your benefits.

Request an appointment or call (843) 342-6677. We will examine your jaw, teeth and bite, talk through your symptoms and explain your options.

Posted on Google Google
Tom R
6 April 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My wife and I have been going to Ocean Dental for a few years and are very pleased with the services. Dr. Sugg is careful, thorough and very engaging with a patient. The office staff is terrific—very friendly and helpful. Plus a bonus—we can have Saturday appointments. Five stars!
Posted on Google Google
Lynn F
1 April 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr Sugg is the first dentist I’ve seen over my life that I look forward to seeing. She is extremely talented in her field and very gentle! I would highly recommend her for any dental work you may need.
Posted on Google Google
Amy l
1 March 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Elizabeth Sugg is fantastic! My teeth have never felt so clean after a cleaning. She is thorough, gentle, and really listens to her patients. I also bring my two children to her, and she makes them feel completely comfortable. We're so glad we found her and her wonderful team. I highly recommend!!!
Posted on Google Google
Melissa
25 February 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Sugg and her team are just exemplary. I am always amazed with the care that is given to me during each visit. The knowledge, professionalism, and friendliness cannot be matched.
Posted on Google Google
Martin D
22 January 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very professional and positive experience. Of course most of us don't look forward to dental visits. Dr Sugg and team do a great work and put one at ease.
Posted on Google Google
Joe T
13 October 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’m always 100% satisfied with my experiences. Friendly staff and a great doc. I moved to the area a few years ago and can’t be more pleased with my dentist.
Posted on Google Google
Jon G
6 October 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Sugg and team at Ocean Dental elevate the dental experience to the highest possible level. It starts with accommodating and professional service from reception and claims submission. I was able to get a last minute appointment when I thought I had an undiscovered dental problem. Dr. Sugg even provided my annual cleaning herself since the hygienist was fully booked. This dental practice uses higher grade materials and treatments than other offices, but also explains a course of action ahead of time to avoid billing surprises. I cannot recommend Dr. Sugg enough - it's worth a trip to Hilton Head Island just to visit the dentist!
Posted on Google Google
Emery L
11 September 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr Liz has done Outstanding Professional crown work on my teeth for over 4 years now! I would highly recommend Ocean Dental for all your dental needs!
Posted on Google Google
Kodos t
20 August 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have seen many dentists over the years, and Dr. Sugg is among the very best. Extremely competent in all areas. She and her staff are patient -focused. You are in very good hands with Dr. Sugg.

Experience The Ocean Difference

Ready to schedule? Request an appointment and our team will be in touch.

Experience The Ocean Difference

Ready to schedule? Request an appointment and our team will be in touch.