As you search the information highway, youll read about signs and symptoms and treatments of TMJ disorder, and headaches and facial pain, but you wont see the explanation of why these symptoms exist in the first place. Youll see common treatment plans of being fitted with a night guard, while research shows that 40% of such appliances can make symptoms 50% worse. Thats an expensive gamble. Dr. Elizabeth Walker and her team strive for nothing less than maximum improvement by identifying your specific needs, and defining and advocating appropriate treatment, both in and outside of her office.
So many processes in our bodies are related to a properly functioning breathing system. Discover how the disruption of silent, nasal breathing can affect digestion, brain function, mood, behavior, attention, growth, clenching, grinding, crowded teeth, heart health, circulation, posture, mouth pain, head pain, body pain, mobility, numbness, tinnitus, balance, metabolism, table manners, and more. With an in-depth examination using the latest in 3D technology, your or your childs airway and neurological status will be evaluated by Dr. Walker.
Treatment of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea can be very effective with an oral appliance. The comfortable appliances are custom designed to physiologically prevent airway collapse by stabilizing your lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, muscles and nervous system. A conservative approach is always the first line of action. If these methods are unsuccessful, or simply not enough, combination therapies or surgical options may be in order. Dr. Walker works closely with specialists who provide adjunctive treatment there. However, if these modalities fail, Dr. Walker works closely with providers that can offer surgical options for managing OSA. These procedures range from surgeries directed at the nose, soft palate, tongue, and permanent repositioning of the upper and lower jaws.
We are never to young or too old to start breathing. We can go for weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without oxygen. When there is a struggle to breathe, at any age, our brains process this as a life threatening event, as it should! All body systems are then in fight or flight survival mode: the heart works harder, glucose and cortisol levels rise, grown hormone levels decrease, digestion is interrupted, immune function is suppressed, and bladder relaxation occurs. Sleep is designed for us to rest, repair and digest. It is so important that we are programmed to do so for a third of our entire lives.
Behind that smile is the knowledge that you gave yourself or your child the opportunity for the longest possible life, free of pain. Thoughtful, in-depth analysis of your or your childs anatomy, physiology and neurology is the only way to accurately predict the outcome of treatment. Straightening teeth and making a beautiful smile is the easy part. Being sure that the final position of the jaws that carry that new beautiful smile is the tricky part. Traditional orthodontic treatment plans do not account for the breath, posture and spine, neurological balance and muscle function that are necessary to ensure whole body wellness.
Orthodontics centered around breathing is part of the cure for children who snore or have apnea and can prevent in children who dont. An astounding correlation of 70% of children who snore have obstructive sleep apnea. Children with OSA can be frequently diagnosed as having ADHD and placed on medication when in fact their problems are being caused by sleep deprivation. Dr. Walker can evaluate the need to intercept the growth patterns that are developing from mouth breathing and obstructed breathing. Childrens bodies are constantly changing and can be guided to grow in the most favorable pattern: lips closed with open nasal airways. This provides the best opportunity for ideal balance, posture, internal wellness from the start.
Perhaps you had previous orthodontic treatment and lost your retainers, or werent told you need to wear them for life. Perhaps you have always wanted that little overbite corrected, or that pesky little overlap right in front. Ask Dr. Walker if Invisalign or clear braces would be right for you. As for airway improvement, treatment may be limited or need adjective therapies, considering growth and development are complete.
Dr. Elizabeth Walker graduated from the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University in 2006 and received her certificate in the Specialty of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University in 2010.She has completed an extensive Mini-Residency from TMJ and Sleep Therapy Research earning a graduate certificate in Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders & Craniofacial Pain in 2013.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 25 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestFlanders Stefi (stefiwf)
a year ago
The doctors and staff have always been attentive, professional and kind. I've received excellent care and highly recommend this practice!
Jenni Chamberlin
a year ago
Dr Walker was wonderful! She listened to my concerns/trouble I was having, diagnosed the problem and also referred me to an ENT after reviewing a CT scan and sleep study I had previously done at a different facility (before I found her) I was fitted for a night guard that has helped tremendously. I highly recommend her if you have any issues with TMJ, snoring or other jaw issues. She truly has changed my life!
E J
2 years ago
An incredible team of caring individuals that have changed my life!
Amy Sanville
2 years ago
We can't thank Dr. Walker and the whole staff enough! They are so skilled and caring. My daughter Lindsay's life has improved greatly because of the treatment she received here. Highly recommend!
Todd Lawson
2 years ago
I flew from Seattle to see Dr. Walker for jaw and pain issues I have. She came highly recommended. Her team was phenomenal, she had an answer for every question I had. My treatment starts in a few weeks, so I will have to update after that starts, but first impressions is it is worth the flight.
Jeffrey Byam
2 years ago
Both of my kids had their braces done by Dr. Walker and her team. My son just got his braces off for good last week. Excellent. Amazing job!!!! I love how Dr. Walker and her team consider the whole health of the indivdual along with making sure that the changes the braces make in one's mouth do not alter one's looks in a negative manner. My hat is off to Dr. Walker and her staff!!! Thank you so very much!!!
christopher ruggerio
2 years ago
I wish I could give them zero stars!! My 9 yr old daughter has had an appointment scheduled for her since November. Today (January 14th) my wife received a call from the office about her appointment this Monday, January 18th. They told us they were SORRY but weren't taking any new patients. After 2 months of waiting! This is TERRIBLE service & a questionable business practice! Who does something like this. My wife was in tears today. You should be ashamed of yourself Dr. Walker, what kind of practices are you running?
Adam Fasoli
2 years ago
Excellent practice and amazing staff. Top to bottom a great experience. I wish everyone would see Dr Walker! There would be a lot healthier, happier people in the world.
Candice Stimson
2 years ago
Dr Walker is amazing! She has worked with my son for about 2 years. We are so thankful for all she has done for him. We highly recommend her!
Emma Murdoch
2 years ago
I started with a jaw that clicked all day and locked at night, along with ringing in the ears and neck pain. I had known that it wasn't ideal, but college stress brought my attention to my discomfort. I was experiencing a more tired and tense jaw so I reached out to TMJ Vermont and I'm so glad I did. Welcoming staff attends to your needs while showing you how to notice what your body is asking of you. They gave careful attention to the progress I was making, and in less than six months, I became far more comfortable in my everyday life. The simplest things like eating and sleeping are so much easier, so I'm very grateful for Dr. Walker and her team!
christopher ruggerio
3 years ago
I wish I could give them zero stars!! My 9 yr old daughter has had an appointment scheduled for her since November. Today (January 14th) my wife received a call from the office about her appointment this Monday, January 18th. They told us they were SORRY but weren't taking any new patients. After 2 months of waiting! This is TERRIBLE service & a questionable business practice! Who does something like this. My wife was in tears today. You should be ashamed of yourself Dr. Walker, what kind of practices are you running?
Adam Fasoli
3 years ago
Excellent practice and amazing staff. Top to bottom a great experience. I wish everyone would see Dr Walker! There would be a lot healthier, happier people in the world.
Candice Stimson
3 years ago
Dr Walker is amazing! She has worked with my son for about 2 years. We are so thankful for all she has done for him. We highly recommend her!
Emma Murdoch
3 years ago
I started with a jaw that clicked all day and locked at night, along with ringing in the ears and neck pain. I had known that it wasn't ideal, but college stress brought my attention to my discomfort. I was experiencing a more tired and tense jaw so I reached out to TMJ Vermont and I'm so glad I did. Welcoming staff attends to your needs while showing you how to notice what your body is asking of you. They gave careful attention to the progress I was making, and in less than six months, I became far more comfortable in my everyday life. The simplest things like eating and sleeping are so much easier, so I'm very grateful for Dr. Walker and her team!
DT Crick
3 years ago
The care and attention from Dr Walker and staff has resulted in a life changing experience
Kasey Cleaves
3 years ago
Dr. Walker and her staff are amazing and I highly recommend you schedule a appointment. I finally found the reason for my chronic teeth grinding and never would have thought it had to do with airway's!
Jane Struzinski
3 years ago
I wanted braces for my teeth. The price I paid for a mouth guard wasn't worth it. So I'm out of a lot money, likes people to pay out of pocket and not by insurance.
Kyle Metayer
3 years ago
After four months of treatment with Dr. Walker, I am completely symptom free from TMD. My headaches, jaw pain, clicking, popping, neck pain, and shoulder pain are all gone. The full office staff was always friendly and professional and greeted me by name as soon as I walked in the door. I've rarely experienced such patient centric treatment in a medical environment. Initially I avoided treatment with Dr. Walker because I believed it would not be covered by my insurance. I spent three and a half years in pain undergoing treatment by other providers as well as total out-of-pocket costs similar to my treatment plan with Dr. Walker. By reading my insurance coverage fully, I was able to successfully appeal the initial denial to have the treatment covered as out-of-network care. I fully recommend Dr. Walker and her staff, and urge anyone considering treatment with Dr. Walker to do so.
Michael & Leah McDermott
3 years ago
I went to see Dr. Walker due to jaw pain. I had many other complaints as well: headaches, clenching, neck pain, ear pain- the list goes on and on. The biggest complaint was my jaw though. My daughter who is a dental hygienist, said I need to see a TMJ specialist. I researched and read reviews and decided to drive over an hour to see Dr. Walker. I am so glad I did! My first visit was a little confusing to me- she was telling me I have breathing issues which was causing these symptoms. As a nurse, I was open to listening to her explanation but the physical evaluation she performed made me a believer. I received a day time appliance and a night time appliance which I diligently wore. Dr. Walker referred me to an ENT. It took a while to get in because of the pandemic but eventually I had a minor surgical procedure (a septoplasty and turbinate reduction). I can finally breathe! I never realized how minimized/constricted my nasal passages were until now. I can take a deep breath in through my nose- and it feels as if I took a big breath in through my mouth! As this was all happening, I was being weaned off my daytime appliance and low and behold- my jaw pain (with all the other symptoms) went away! I feel like a new person! I tell everyone who will listen to me about how important breathing is and that is probably the reason for TMJ pain. I never would have believed someone if I didn't personally experience this myself. Yes, it is a little expensive. My insurance didn't cover anything but is there a price on your health? Now that I feel so much better, I can honestly say it is well worth the expense! I only wish that I would have done this years ago, to avoid the suffering and the increasing jaw pain. Dr. Walker is not only a passionate professional, but she explains everything she does and truly appreciates seeing you benefit and feel better. We need more of her! Thank you Dr. Walker! Thank you for taking my pain away and teaching me the importance of nasal AIRWAY. <3 I will forever be grateful!
Kasey Cleaves
4 years ago
Dr. Walker and her staff are amazing and I highly recommend you schedule a appointment. I finally found the reason for my chronic teeth grinding and never would have thought it had to do with airway's!
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