TMJ & Pain Treatment

TemporoMandibular Joint

Office

What To Expect

The TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis offers therapies and treatments that address the underlying cause of TMJ disorders. Dr. Frith explains to each patient the best care plan and treatment protocols to resolve their pain and alleviate their symptoms. Patients also will be provided with cost estimates to better understand the financial obligations related to their care plan.

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?

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_ST_LOUIS_LOGO_GREEN
TMJ Surgery
Nightguards
Botox
Splints & Orthodontics
Plication
Our Treatment

Our TMJ/TMD Orthotic & Sleep Appliance Therapy

Cost: $2,500 - $12,000 (most common: $5,900)

Treatment Duration: 3-6 months

Benefits:

  • Non-surgical healing option
  • Custom-designed appliances for day and night
  • Improves sleep and breathing
  • Advanced therapies (Laser, Oxygen, etc.)
  • Pain relief begins within days to weeks

Drawbacks: Multiple appointments, 3-6 months of treatment

Total TMJ Joint Surgery

Cost: $30,000 - $80,000

Treatment Duration: Days to weeks (recovery time)

Benefits:

  • Treats disorder surgically

Drawbacks:

  • Invasive surgery with risks like limited jaw motion
  • Requires braces post-surgery
  • Long recovery and possible time off work

Nightguards

Cost: $500 - $1,000

Benefits:

  • Decreases wear on teeth

Drawbacks:

  • Does not treat the underlying disorder
  • Can worsen clenching and affect sleep

Botox

Cost: $1,200 - $2,500 per session

Benefits:

  • Instant symptom relief

Drawbacks:

  • Temporary relief, requires repeat treatments
  • Masks the problem, does not heal it

TMJ/TMD Splints & Orthodontics

Cost: $7,000 - $14,000

Benefits:

  • Improves jaw forces and straightens teeth

Drawbacks:

  • Does not address nighttime sleep issues
  • Requires long-term orthodontics

Plication

Cost: $3,000 - $5,000

Benefits:

  • Less-invasive surgery for select patients

Drawbacks:

  • Only suitable for certain cases

Our TMJ/TMD Orthotic & Sleep Appliance Therapy Total TMJ Joint Surgery Nightguards Botox TMJ/TMD Splints & Orthodontics Plication
Cost $2,500 - $12,000 (most common: $5,900) $30,000 - $80,000 $500 - $1,000 $1,200 - $2,500 per session $7,000 - $14,000 $3,000 - $5,000
Treatment Duration 3-6 months Days to weeks (recovery time) Ongoing (as needed) Every 3 months (temporary relief) 18 months to 3 years Days to weeks (recovery time)
Benefits
  • Non-surgical healing option
  • Improves sleep and airway function
  • Reduces pain in days to weeks
  • Uses advanced therapies (Laser, Oxygen, etc.)
  • Custom-designed appliances for day and night
  • Treats disorder surgically
  • Decreases wear on teeth
  • Provides instant relief
  • Improves jaw forces and straightens teeth
  • Repositions cartilage and ligaments
Drawbacks
  • Treatment requires 3-6 months
  • Multiple appointments (4-9 visits)
  • Invasive surgery
  • Limited jaw motion (30mm vs. normal 45mm)
  • Risk of infection, permanent numbness
  • Requires braces post-surgery
  • Does not treat the disorder
  • Can worsen clenching and grinding
  • May cause airway issues
  • Temporary relief (1-5 months)
  • Needs repeated treatments for life
  • Only masks the problem, doesn't heal it
  • Doesn't address sleep issues
  • Back teeth may not touch if worn too long
  • Requires long-term orthodontics
  • Not suitable for all patients
  • Only works for specific ligament/cartilage issues

Get In Touch

We love hearing from YOU! Send us your questions and inquiries, we will be happy to assist you.