In today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever to do your research and make sure a medical treatment is worth it before you start committing your budget to it. While TMJ disorders (disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull) aren’t life-threatening by any means, addressing the condition can alleviate chronic jaw pain, headaches, tinnitus, and many other symptoms. With early intervention, TMJ treatment can even prevent symptoms from getting worse!
Here’s why TMJ treatments aren’t overrated – and why they can be well-worth the cost.
TMJ Treatments are Effective
Some TMJ treatments can seem a bit unconventional, so it’s natural to wonder whether they’re actually effective. And certainly, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be worth the price of rice! Fortunately, there are many TMJ treatments that are known to provide tangible results. What’s more is that the vast majority of them address the underlying cause of the condition, and the benefits can last a lifetime.
Types of TMJ Treatments & Their General Costs
The total price of treating a TMJ disorder depends on a couple of different factors, including the complexity of your case and the type of treatment you choose. This means you won’t know exactly how much your treatment will cost until you meet with a specialist for a consultation. But it’s worth noting that some options are generally more or less expensive than others. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Temporary but Affordable
BOTOX injections and TENS therapy provide near-immediate pain relief, but aren’t considered long-term solutions. They do tend to be less costly than treatments that make anatomical changes, however, and can be an affordable way to alleviate pain while you and your dentist explore your options.
BOTOX injections involve administering a diluted solution of botulinum toxin to specific facial muscles. This forces the muscles to relax, thus relieving uncomfortable tension near the TMJ.
TENS, meanwhile, stands for “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.” Gentle electric currents are sent to the muscles near the TMJ in order to reduce pain and inflammation.
Near-Permanent but More Costly
Occlusal splints and equilibrations/occlusal adjustment typically have higher upfront costs, but for many patients, they’re a permanent solution. This makes them well-suited for those who experience chronic symptoms as a result of their TMJ disorder.
Occlusal splints are mouthguard-like oral appliances that are worn at night. Similar to clear aligner orthodontics, they reposition the jaw into a more comfortable position that exerts far less strain on the TMJ.
During equilibrations/occlusal adjustment, your dentist will make slight adjustments to the size and shape of a few teeth. This evens out your bite surface, allowing chewing pressure to be distributed more equally over the lower jaw so the TMJ doesn’t become overworked.
Invest In Your Long-Term Comfort & Health
The thing about TMJ disorders is that even if your symptoms are mild now, they could grow worse over time. It’s also generally less expensive to treat the condition early while conservative options are still viable. What you’re really doing by addressing the condition is investing in your long-term comfort and health. In that sense, TMJ treatment can definitely be worth the cost!
About the Practice
Our experienced TMJ dentists at Exceptional Dentistry are well-qualified to provide a variety of treatments for TMJ disorders. When you schedule a consultation, we’ll carefully examine your jaw and review your options – along with how much each solution will cost. Contact our office at 301-460-3331 to invest in your comfort and health today!