EMFACE Functional for TMJ Disorders in Reston, VA

When it comes to traditional treatments for TMD, people often rely on custom night guards to help manage grinding, physical therapy to ease discomfort, and anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief. In more severe cases, some turn to Botox injections into the jaw muscles, such as the masseter and temporalis. Botox can be quite effective because it directly relaxes the muscles. However, one drawback is that these injections need to be repeated every few months.

EMFACE is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses two simultaneous technologies: synchronized radiofrequency (RF) energy and High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES). RF works on the skin and connective tissue, while HIFES stimulates deep muscle contractions in the masseter and temporalis muscles at a level not achievable through normal movement. Through repeated treatments, EMFACE helps repattern how your jaw muscles hold their resting tone.

EMFACE treatments are comfortable, and most patients require a series of four sessions spaced over a few weeks. By improving muscle density and quality, the ground-breaking TMJ dysfunction treatment helps address the source of the tension rather than just masking the pain. Many patients report less jaw fatigue, fewer tension headaches, and lasting relief without needles or downtime.

While EMFACE can in many cases provide functional relief, it is not necessarily a cure for TMJ disorders. If your TMJ issues are caused by actual structural damage to the jawbone or a displaced disc, EMFACE will help with the pain, but it will not correct concerns involving the bone or disc. What it does is help ease the tension in your jaw, allowing it to function more freely. Many patients report a real difference, from waking up feeling better to fewer headaches and jaw discomfort no longer interfering with their day.

At Ateeth Dental Care, we consider EMFACE part of your holistic care. We consider other factors contributing to TMD, such as a misaligned bite or worn teeth. We are also happy to discuss lifestyle factors that can exacerbate TMD, such as stress, sleep position, teeth grinding and clenching, and even posture. Addressing these factors alongside EMFACE treatment can create a more balanced environment for your jaw to heal, helping provide more lasting relief.