Nightguards & TMJ Care in Downtown Seattle
Understanding tooth wear and jaw discomfort
Concerned about grinding or clenching?
A custom nightguard fits over your teeth to help protect them from damage caused by grinding or clenching. An assessment helps us decide whether one is right for you.
We evaluate jaw clicking, popping, pain when opening your mouth, limited opening, and wear patterns on your teeth.
Request an appointment to discuss your concerns. We’ll explain what we find and whether treatment here or a specialist referral is appropriate.
How we approach TMJ care
Our care is limited to early signs of grinding or clenching and muscle tightness. Depending on your evaluation, we may recommend a nightguard, therapeutic Botox, or both.
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are conditions affecting the jaw joints and the muscles that move them.
When a nightguard may help
A nightguard may be an initial treatment step when jaw symptoms or tooth wear are not severe. It does not treat every jaw condition.
Therapeutic Botox
We may consider therapeutic Botox for muscle tightness. It isn’t right for everyone, and relief is not guaranteed.
When a specialist is needed
We refer patients with severe pain, limited opening, or other severe symptoms to a specialist. This includes severe cases that have already tried a nightguard or Botox.
Questions About Nightguards & TMJ Care
The type of nightguard determines how we capture the shape of your teeth.
- Our in-house custom nightguard uses an impression.
- The laboratory-made acrylic option uses a digital scan.
- See what to expect at your assessment.
No. A specialist referral may be appropriate without first trying either treatment.
- Severe pain or limited opening can warrant referral.
Nightguards and TMJ care are not usually covered by insurance.
- Check directly with your insurer to find out what your policy covers.
- Your care depends on the assessment.
- Call (206) 292-9980 to ask about an estimate.
- Insurance, payment, and estimates