TMJ & Pain Treatment
Find lasting relief from TMJ disorders and chronic pain with expert care at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis. Our specialized treatments address jaw discomfort, headaches, and muscle tension for improved comfort and well-being.
Comprehensive TMJ Treatment in St. Louis
At the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis, we specialize in providing effective therapies and treatments that target the root cause of TMJ pain. Our expert team, led by Dr. Frith, carefully evaluates each patient to develop a personalized care plan designed to alleviate TMJ pain and restore optimal jaw function. Through advanced diagnostic techniques and cutting-edge treatment protocols, we help patients find long-term relief from jaw discomfort, headaches, and related symptoms.
We believe in transparency and patient education, ensuring that every individual fully understands their TMJ pain relief options. Dr. Frith takes the time to explain each step of the recommended treatment plan, offering insight into expected outcomes and long-term benefits. Additionally, we provide detailed cost estimates so patients can make informed decisions about their care. If you’re struggling with TMJ pain and seeking expert solutions, the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis is here to help.
What is TMJ/TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is known as the TMJ. However, most patients refer to the pain and symptoms associated with the joint and its muscles as TMJ disorder (or TMJ, TMJD, or TMD).
This disorder is characterized by numerous symptoms; these symptoms can impact sleep, general comfort and, in some cases, symptoms can be so severe that they impact everyday life. Sleep disturbances are a common manifestation of TMJ, as the joint’s position also can impede the airway. In addition, patients who are diagnosed with TMJ could suffer from headaches that radiate to the cheek and jaw. The most common symptom of TMJ disorder, though, is jaw pain or pain in the front of the ear.
Why Choose Us For TMJ Relief?
Our TMJ/TMD therapy offers a non-invasive, lasting solution. Unlike surgery or temporary treatments, we address the root cause, improve jaw alignment, and enhance sleep for effective, long-term relief.
TMJ/TMD Orthotic & Sleep Appliance Therapy
Cost: $2,500 to $12,000 (based on case severity). Most common cost: $5,900.
Benefits
- Non-surgical treatment that promotes natural healing
- Treatment duration: 3–6 months
- Symptoms often subside within days to weeks after treatment begins
- Custom “Phonetic Bite” appliance enhances jaw positioning and accelerates healing
- Airway-focused approach improves breathing, posture, and overall wellness
- Enhances sleep quality and helps alleviate pain
What's Included
- Two custom orthotic appliances:
- Daytime appliance: Supports jaw and surrounding structures, may benefit posture
- Nighttime “Phonetic Bite” appliance: Promotes jaw healing and optimal positioning
Additional Therapies
- Healing Lasers – for pain relief and accelerated recovery
- Oxygen therapy and Prolozone – reduce pain and promote healing
- Natural ointments & energy therapies for enhanced comfort
- SPG Blocks & Nightlase® – relieve pain, anxiety, and improve airflow
- Accessories for airway support, TMJ alignment, and pain relief
Diagnostic Tools
- 3D X-ray (CBCT) – assess jaw joint complex
- Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
- Muscle palpation & Motor Nerve Reflex Testing (MNRT)
- Rhinomanometer & sleep tests – evaluate airway function
Considerations
- Treatment typically spans 3–6 months
- Requires 4–9 appointments, depending on case complexity
Total TMJ Joint Surgery
Cost: $30,000–$80,000
Benefits
- Treats disorder surgically
Drawbacks
- The surgery is invasive. Complications include less than ideal jaw motion range (normal opening is about 45mm, usually after surgery opening is limited to 30mm and often makes eating food like sandwiches difficult), infection, permanent numbness of lip and mouth structures.
- This doesn't support the bite by itself. Often 1–2 years of braces (orthodontics) is needed at an extra fee often $5,000+
- The healing process can be days to weeks
- May have to take off work to recover
Nightguards
Cost: $500 to $1,000
Benefits
- Helps decrease destructive forces to the chewing edges of teeth when worn
Drawbacks
- High probability of increased frequency (times) someone clenches/grinds
- Potential of increasing in the muscles clenching/grinding forces & abfractions by the gumline
- This may make sleep worse especially if it takes up tongue/airway space
- May comfort some symptoms but does not treat the disorder.
Botox
Cost: $1,200 to $2,500 per treatment time
Benefits
- Instant relief
Drawbacks
- The relief is temporary (1–5 months), so is usually repeated every 3 months
- It only masks the problem by paralyzing muscles
- This option does not address or heal the cause of the pain
- Has to be retreated every few months for a lifetime, otherwise the pain can return
- May comfort symptoms but does not treat the disorder.
TMJ/TMD Splints and Orthodontics
Cost: $7,000 to $14,000
Benefits
- Improves the forces and positioning of the jaw joint (usually only 1 appliance for daytime and nightwear is required)
- Teeth are moved and straightened
Drawbacks
- Doesn't treat nighttime sleep issues that are often a large part of TMJ/TMD
- Doesn't put the jaw in a different better position to heal at night
- Teeth changes: where back teeth may not touch if the splint is worn longer than a few months, but the orthodontic portion can address that
- Time in splint portion may be 1–9 months
- Time in orthodontics often 18 months to 3 years
Plication
Cost: $3,000 to $5,000
Benefits
- By repositioning cartilage and ligaments, this less-invasive surgery is an option for select patients
Drawbacks
- Not everyone is a candidate and only certain patients will benefit from this surgery as it’s meant to repair torn, stretched cartilage/ligaments
Benefits
- Non-surgical treatment that promotes natural healing
- Treatment duration: 3–6 months
- Symptoms often subside within days to weeks after treatment begins
- Custom “Phonetic Bite” appliance enhances jaw positioning and accelerates healing
- Airway-focused approach improves breathing, posture, and overall wellness
- Enhances sleep quality and helps alleviate pain
What's Included
- Two custom orthotic appliances:
- Daytime appliance: Supports jaw and surrounding structures, may benefit posture
- Nighttime “Phonetic Bite” appliance: Promotes jaw healing and optimal positioning
Additional Therapies
- Healing Lasers – for pain relief and accelerated recovery
- Oxygen therapy and Prolozone – reduce pain and promote healing
- Natural ointments & energy therapies for enhanced comfort
- SPG Blocks & Nightlase® – relieve pain, anxiety, and improve airflow
- Accessories for airway support, TMJ alignment, and pain relief
Diagnostic Tools
- 3D X-ray (CBCT) – assess jaw joint complex
- Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
- Muscle palpation & Motor Nerve Reflex Testing (MNRT)
- Rhinomanometer & sleep tests – evaluate airway function
Considerations
- Treatment typically spans 3–6 months
- Requires 4–9 appointments, depending on case complexity
Get In Touch
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