TMJ Treatment · Our Approach
TMJ Solutions
Dr. Patrice’s approach to TMJ resolution is comprehensive, technology-driven, and built on objective measurement — addressing not just the symptoms but the root cause.
Google Rating
4.9
A trusted TMJ, Sleep & Airway Doc in Scottsdale, Arizona
How We Treat
Precise. Technology-driven. Objectively measured.
True TMJ resolution requires addressing all three pillars simultaneously — the teeth, the muscles, and the joint. Dr. Patrice’s treatment protocol is built around finding your jaw’s correct physiologic position using objective technology, then confirming the muscles are restored to health before any permanent changes are made.
A thorough review of your history, symptoms, and goals — including EMG baseline muscle measurements to objectively document where you are starting from.
The Myotronics J5 Dental TENS relaxes and restores muscles to their resting physiologic position. The Myotronics K7 then tracks jaw movement in real time to identify the bite position that returns muscles to their optimal state.
Your custom precision MORA Orthotic is fabricated in our in-office lab and delivered at your next appointment — precisely calibrated to hold your jaw in its correct physiologic position.
We monitor your progress with follow-up EMG muscle measurements — objectively tracking how your muscles respond to the new jaw position and making precise orthotic adjustments as needed.
To support and stabilize the muscles in their new position, we offer Craniosacral massage and release, additional TENS sessions, and referrals to Myofunctional therapists — all working together to reinforce and sustain your results.
Phase 1 Therapy
This is called Phase 1 Therapy — designed to relieve pain, clicking and popping, headaches, and many TMJ symptoms. The goal is to find the correct jaw position and confirm that the muscles are restored to health before any permanent changes are made.
TENS
K7 Jaw Tracking
Why Choose Us
Expertise. Technology. Results.
"Get out of pain and begin living life to its fullest again."
After K7 Jaw Tracking and bite capture, we can measure EMG muscle readings immediately and show you a before and after muscle recording — that same day. Seeing the objective difference in muscle activity before and after jaw repositioning is often remarkable for patients. It delivers amazing results.
Patient 1 — 9-Muscle EMG Reading
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Patient 2 — 9-Muscle EMG Reading
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Patient 3 — 9-Muscle EMG Reading
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Phase 1 - Orthotic Delivery
The MORA Orthotic. Precision relief.
Once your optimal jaw position has been confirmed through K7 Jaw Tracking and EMG measurement, we fabricate your custom MORA orthotic in our in-office lab and deliver it at your next appointment. This is Phase I Therapy — and the results speak for themselves.
Most of our patients experience an 80–90% reduction in pain during Phase I, with significant improvement in:
- Headaches and migraines
- Facial pain and muscle soreness
- Jaw clicking and popping
- Neck, shoulder, and muscular pain
WHAT COMES NEXT?
At the end of Phase I, patients can choose to remain in this stable, comfortable position — or move forward to Phase II to make those changes permanent.
For Phase II solutions, please see our Airway Orthodontics and Aligners →
While You Wait for Treatment
Self-management. At-home pain relief.
TMJ self-management uses simple daily habits to reduce strain on the jaw. These approaches will not resolve the underlying structural cause — only professional treatment can do that — but they can ease pain, reduce muscle tension, and support comfort while you work toward lasting relief.
What you can start doing today:
- Apply moist heat or ice to the jaw — whichever feels more soothing. Many patients find alternating both provides the most relief.
- Eat soft foods and avoid hard, chewy items — bagels, crusty bread, steak, gum, raw vegetables, and ice. Give the joint a chance to rest.
- Practice relaxation techniques — stress often shows up first in the jaw muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing, gentle stretching, and mindfulness can quiet a clenched jaw.
- Avoid nail biting and gum chewing — repetitive jaw motion overloads already-fatigued muscles and worsens dysfunction.
- Keep the tongue resting on the palate — the natural position helps support proper jaw posture and reduces muscle strain throughout the day.
- Be mindful of posture — forward head posture from screens and phones pulls the jaw back and compresses the joint. Sit tall, eyes level with your screen.
These habits can ease pain and support ongoing relief between visits — and they remain valuable even after treatment is complete.
For Severe Cases
When surgery is considered.
Dr. Patrice’s practice is firmly rooted in conservative, nonsurgical treatment — and the vast majority of TMJ patients find lasting relief through Phase I orthotic therapy alone. Surgery is rarely necessary, but in cases of severe structural damage or persistent dysfunction that has not responded to conservative care, advanced procedures may be considered.
When Conservative Care Does Not Resolve Symptoms
When TMJ pain persists despite a comprehensive course of Phase I therapy — orthotic appliance, neuromuscular muscle relaxation, and structural correction — the following procedures may be considered:
Joint Irrigation (Arthrocentesis)
A minimally invasive procedure that flushes the joint with sterile fluid to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Targeted Joint Injections
Corticosteroid or other targeted injections to reduce inflammation and pain in the joint itself.
Other Minimally Invasive Procedures
Arthroscopic procedures that allow visualization and treatment of the joint with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
Open Joint Surgery
Reserved for severe structural damage or dysfunction, this is the most invasive option and is rarely required.
Referral for Maxillofacial Surgery Evaluation
When surgical evaluation is appropriate, Dr. Patrice refers to trusted oral and maxillofacial surgery colleagues — ensuring you receive coordinated, multidisciplinary care without losing the continuity of your TMJ treatment plan.
These options are typically reserved for severe cases involving structural damage or persistent dysfunction. Most patients never need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
About TMJ Treatment
What happens at the first appointment?
Your first visit is a comprehensive workup. Dr. Patrice reviews your history, symptoms, and goals; performs a clinical examination of the jaw, muscles, and bite; and captures baseline EMG muscle measurements. This appointment is also when imaging is reviewed and the foundation of your personalized treatment plan is established.
Is the MORA orthotic comfortable to wear?
Yes. The custom MORA orthotic is fabricated specifically for the lower arch in our in-office lab to fit your anatomy precisely. Most patients adapt within a few days and report that wearing it actually feels more comfortable than not wearing it — because it holds the jaw in the position the muscles want.
How is your approach different from a generic night guard?
A generic night guard prevents tooth wear but does nothing to address jaw position or muscle health. Our protocol is fundamentally different. We use objective technology — the Myotronics J5 Dental TENS Unit and K7x Evaluation System — to find your jaw’s correct physiologic position, then fabricate a custom precision orthotic to hold it there. The orthotic is calibrated to data, not approximated to a generic shape.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies significantly by plan. Some medical and dental insurance policies cover TMJ diagnosis and treatment in part or in full; others do not. Our team is glad to help you understand your benefits and explore financing options. We are committed to making treatment accessible — cost should not be the reason you live with TMJ pain.
Do I need to stop seeing my other providers during TMJ treatment?
Not at all. TMJ care often works best alongside other providers — physical therapists, myofunctional therapists, ENTs, primary care, and others. Dr. Patrice coordinates regularly with outside practitioners and welcomes collaboration. The goal is a whole-body approach to lasting relief, not a single isolated treatment.
What if Phase I doesn't fully resolve my symptoms?
Most patients experience 80–90% pain reduction through Phase I orthotic therapy alone — and many choose to stop there. If symptoms persist or you want to make the changes permanent, Phase II structural solutions are available: airway orthodontics with expansion, airway-focused aligners, or full mouth reconstruction. Dr. Patrice will walk you through every option based on your specific situation.
Take the Next Step
Objective measurement. Lasting relief.
Most patients begin to feel meaningful relief within the first few weeks of Phase I therapy — with the comfort, sleep, and function they have been missing for years. Schedule your complimentary TMJ consultation to see what the data shows about your jaw, and what your personalized treatment plan would look like.
Scottsdale
13825 N Northsight Blvd, Suite 120
Mon–Thu 8–5 · Tue 7–5 · Fri 8–1
(480) 767-8400
Payson
315 E State Highway 260
Mon–Thu 8am – 5pm
(928) 474-2200
