EMFACE TMJ Treatment in Los Angeles

Non-invasive relief for clenching, grinding, and jaw tension, with no needles and no downtime.

Retraining the Muscles, Not Masking the Pain

Most teeth fractures and jaw pains come from constant temporomandibular joint (TMJ) muscle spasms from involuntary, painful contractions of the jaw, face, or temple muscles in the form of grinding and clenching teeth on each other while you sleep. 


Common triggers include high stress and bite misalignment. EMFACE TMJ uses gentle and comforting stimulation to re-educate those muscles so they stop spasm and overfiring. There is no jaw manipulation and no injection, just short sessions that calm the muscles.

What a Session Feels Like

Each EMFACE TMJ session runs about 20 minutes with warm, comfortable applicators placed over the muscles. You relax while the device does the work. Most people find it easy, and many notice their jaw feels much looser and less tense as they move through a treatment plan.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Grinding or clenching is not noticed and doesn't hurt in most people. Others do experience mild to severe pain. Either way, over years that grinding wears down teeth, creates cracked teeth enamel and fillings, breaks crowns, and causes bone loss around teeth, gum recession and sensitivity, and pain. Chronic clenching and grinding can cause "Cracked Tooth Syndrome" in which most of the time the treatment is tooth extraction or Root Canal Treating the muscle behavior early helps protect the rest of your mouth, which is why Dr. Shelyan looks at your jaw, bite, and muscles at every full exam, not just your teeth.

Common Questions

Does grinding and clenching change the shape of your face?

Yes, chronic grinding and/or clenching is like a work out for facial muscles. So when TMJ muscles get bigger and stronger, your face can look older and more square. In some cases EMFACE TMJ and BOTOX treatments are both needed for better muscle function as well as facial aesthetics.

Does EMFACE for TMJ hurt?

No. There are no needles and no jaw manipulation. You feel the muscles working during the session, similar to a deep muscle massage, and you can return to your day right after.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on how long you have been clenching or grinding and how tense the muscles are. Four to six treatments of 20-minutes each is the average. Dr. Shelyan will map out a plan for you after examining your jaw, bite, and muscles.

Is EMFACE TMJ treatment the same as Botox for the jaw?

No. Botox injections make the muscle weaker and smaller. But it doesn’t change the habit of grinding and clenching. EMFACE relaxes and re-educates the muscle with stimulation and no needles. In some chronic cases both BOTOX and EMFACE TMJ are indicated for the best results. We offer both and will help you decide what fits your case.

Can EMFACE replace my night guard?

It treats the muscle behavior behind grinding, but many patients with significant enamel loss and cracks still use a night guard to protect their teeth. We will tell you honestly what you need.

Dr. Shelyan explaining EMFACE TMJ treatment at a Los Angeles dental office
EMFACE TMJ treatment pads being placed at a Los Angeles dental office
The EMFACE TMJ treatment screen at Forever Smile, a Los Angeles dental office
EMFACE TMJ relief information at Forever Smile, a Los Angeles dentist

EMFACE for TMJ Jaw Pain

➔  No needles, no downtime

➔  About 20 minutes per session

➔  Protects teeth from grinding damage

➔  Planned around your bite and jaw

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the signs I might have TMJ?

    Common signs include jaw soreness, clicking or popping when you open wide, headaches, tension around the temples, and waking with a tight or tired jaw. If you notice these, Dr. Shelyan can examine your jaw, bite, and muscles to find the cause.

  • Is EMFACE TMJ treatment covered by insurance?

    Coverage varies by plan, since TMJ care is handled differently by different insurers. We accept all PPO plans and will help you understand your benefits. We also offer financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit if you want to spread out the cost.

  • Can EMFACE help with the headaches from clenching?

    Often yes. Many tension headaches trace back to overworked jaw muscles from clenching and grinding. By calming those muscles, EMFACE can ease the headaches that come with them. Dr. Shelyan will assess whether your headaches are linked to your jaw.

  • Can EMFACE help if I already wear a night guard?

    Yes. A night guard protects your teeth from the damage of grinding, but it does not stop the grinding itself, whereas EMFACE works on the muscles driving the habit. Used together, they protect your teeth and address the cause. Dr. Shelyan will advise what fits you.

  • Do the results of EMFACE TMJ treatment last?

    Results can last, especially when the underlying habit is addressed, though some patients benefit from occasional maintenance sessions. Dr. Shelyan will talk through what to expect over time and whether upkeep visits fit your situation.

From Our Dental Blog

Good decisions start with good information. Our blog breaks down what’s happening in your mouth in plain language, from gum health and grinding to implants, Invisalign, and EMFACE, so you can walk into our dental visit knowing the right questions to ask.