Of course you’d like to treat your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, but what should you expect to spend? Needless to say, you have some critical calculations to make! Fortunately, your TMJ dentist in Burbank will be able to answer any financial questions you have during a consultation. In the meantime, you can keep reading to get a better understanding of the costs involved in treating TMJ disorders.
How Much Does TMJ Treatment Typically Cost?
TMJ treatments can cost anywhere between $600 to $50,000. Clearly, that’s quite the wide range! This is because TMJ treatments have to be meticulously personalized to suit the unique needs of each patient. The exact price of your treatment will depend on a couple of different factors. In general, though, you can expect to pay less the more conservative a treatment method is.
Factors that Can Impact Your TMJ Treatment Expenses
As noted above, there are many factors that can affect the final price of your TMJ treatment, so it’s worth looking at a brief list. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Treatment Type: Different TMJ treatments have different associated costs.
- Equilibration / occlusal adjustments involve slightly reshaping one or more teeth to create a more even bite surface, which relieves TMJ tension. Minor adjustments start at about $50 for one tooth, while major adjustments can be as much as $1,500.
- Occlusal splints are mouthguard-like appliances that help your jaw sit more comfortably at rest. They typically cost between $200 and $600.
- Jaw surgery is often considered a last resort option when more conservative treatments aren’t effective. This method drastically alters your facial anatomy, and costs can exceed $50,000.
- Severity of Symptoms: Even within the same treatment type, expenses can vary depending on how complex your case is. More severe TMJ symptoms sometimes require longer treatment times and more appointments.
- Insurance Coverage: Your insurance provider may offer partial coverage for TMJ treatment, so it’s worth double-checking the details of your policy!
- Flexible Financing: If your expenses feel overwhelming, you can apply for programs like CareCredit that enable you to break your costs up into monthly payments.
Remember, your TMJ dentist will keep you in the loop about how these factors might affect you and your wallet, and it never hurts to ask clarifying questions.
Is TMJ Treatment Worth the Price?
More often than not, yes! Even if your jaw pain is intermittent or mild, the continued strain on your TMJ can eventually result in worsening symptoms. It’s not just about discomfort, either. TMJ disorders can cause tangible problems, especially when the underlying cause is jaw misalignment. You might experience difficulties with chewing, for example, or develop tinnitus. Treatment can certainly help you avoid more costly issues in the future!
Understanding the costs of TMJ treatment in Burbank can be tricky, but your dental team will be there to guide you through all of the financial details. Trust them to be transparent, and you’ll be able to crunch the numbers.
About the Author
Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz has served patients in Burbank and other nearby areas for over 25 years and is well-known for pioneering a novel form of conservative dentistry. If you’d like to have your TMJ disorder treated by a highly experienced professional, Dr. Ruiz is the right dentist for you! To schedule your consultation and find out how affordable your TMJ treatment could be, contact his office at 818-558-4332.
