A TMJ disorder can put stress on your facial muscles, resulting in aches, pains, and chronic soreness. So the idea of treating the issue and saying “goodbye” to facial pain probably sounds pretty good! At the same time, it’s understandable if you want to make sure treatment would be worth the cost. Here’s what you need to know in order to make an informed decision for your health and wellness.
TMJ Treatment Options
Firstly, there are many different ways a TMJ disorder can be treated, but two in particular are more common (and more permanent).
Equilibration/occlusal adjustments work best when an uneven bite surface is causing excess pressure to be exerted on your TMJ. Your dentist will take a careful look at how your teeth rest when you bite down, then make strategic adjustments that can involve filing down your pearly whites or adding to them with a composite resin.
Occlusal splints are more like mouthguards. If jaw misalignment is the source of your TMJ woes, then repositioning it by wearing one of these customized splints could very well solve the problem. Occlusal splints can also reduce TMJ stress caused by grinding and clenching your teeth.
Ultimately, the price of your treatment will depend on the severity of your TMJ disorder, so it’s important to confirm costs with your dentist during a consultation.
Making TMJ Treatment More Affordable
Fortunately, you don’t have to pay for TMJ treatment without some sort of assistance. Several resources can help you manage the costs, such as:
- Dental or medical insurance. Depending on the nature of your disorder, either one of these types of insurance could provide you with coverage, though the exact amount varies by plan and by state.
- Flexible financing. If you’re uninsured, you might be more interested in breaking your treatment costs down into smaller monthly payments. Programs like CareCredit allow you to do exactly that.
- In-house membership plans. Many dental offices these days have their own membership plans that provide discounts on their various services. There’s usually no deductible, no annual maximum, and no waiting period.
Say “Goodbye” to Facial Pain!
Solutions like equilibration/occlusal adjustments and occlusal splints could solve your facial pain once and for all, and with so many affordability options to choose from, many patients find TMJ treatment to be completely worth it. If you’re at all interested in correcting your TMJ disorder, talk to your dentist about how you can personalize your treatment plan and payment strategy!
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas is an experienced and well-rounded dentist. As a lifelong learner, he actively pursues advanced training opportunities and keeps up with the latest dental treatments, such as TMJ therapy. If you experience chronic facial pain and would like to learn more about the cost of treatment, contact Dr. Ornelas’ office at 219-663-2892.