Jaw-function evaluation
Dr. Lee evaluates range of motion, joint sounds, muscle tenderness, bite relationships, and dental wear as part of the clinical assessment.
TMJ treatment in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee evaluates temporomandibular joint and orofacial pain by examining jaw movement, muscles, bite relationships, dental wear, and other oral factors that may contribute to symptoms.
Her goal is to identify which findings are clinically relevant before recommending dental treatment or coordinating care with another provider.
Jaw and orofacial pain
What causes jaw pain?
Jaw pain, clicking, limited movement, headaches, and facial discomfort can arise from different joints, muscles, habits, or non-dental conditions.
Dr. Lee therefore evaluates the source and pattern of symptoms before assigning a dental appliance or bite-based treatment.
- Evaluate jaw-joint movement
- Assess muscle tenderness and function
- Review bite and tooth-wear patterns
- Separate dental factors from conditions needing other care
What can TMJ care involve?
Oral appliance therapy
Dr. Lee may recommend a custom dental appliance when the exam shows that it could help protect your teeth or reduce certain jaw-muscle or joint symptoms.
Coordinated care
When symptoms suggest a condition outside the dental treatment scope, Dr. Lee coordinates evaluation with the appropriate medical or dental provider.
What happens at an exam for jaw pain?
- Characterize the symptoms. Dr. Lee reviews where the pain occurs, what movements trigger it, how long it has been present, and whether joint sounds or movement limitations are involved.
- Examine jaw function. She evaluates range of motion, joint behavior, muscles, bite relationships, and evidence of clenching or grinding.
- Identify relevant dental factors. The findings are used to determine whether a dental appliance or other dental treatment is likely to address the problem.
- Coordinate additional care. Symptoms outside the dental scope are referred or co-managed rather than being forced into a dental diagnosis.
Who should consider a TMJ evaluation?
Schedule an evaluation if you experience persistent jaw pain, facial muscle fatigue, limited movement, painful clicking, or symptoms related to clenching or grinding.
Dr. Lee has advanced training in TMD and orofacial pain but does not use a specialist title; complex or non-dental conditions may require coordinated care.
When should I see a dentist for jaw pain?
Schedule an evaluation when jaw pain persists, movement becomes limited, clicking is painful, or symptoms interfere with chewing or normal function.
A painless joint sound by itself does not establish a treatment need. Dr. Lee uses symptoms and findings together.
What affects the cost of TMJ treatment?
Cost depends on the diagnostic evaluation, any dental appliance or treatment recommended, follow-up care, and whether other providers are involved. Dental or medical benefits vary by plan.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
TMJ treatment is based on diagnosis; no one appliance or procedure is promised for every patient.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee has advanced training in TMD and orofacial pain and in neuromuscular orthodontics. She applies that training to jaw-function evaluation while coordinating additional care when symptoms extend beyond the dental treatment scope.
Frequently asked questions
Does clicking mean I have TMJ disorder?
Not by itself. Dr. Lee evaluates whether the sound is painful, whether movement is limited, and whether other symptoms or functional changes are present.
Can a night guard treat jaw pain?
An oral appliance can be useful in selected cases, but it should follow a diagnosis rather than being assigned to every patient with jaw symptoms.
Can clenching or grinding contribute to symptoms?
Clenching and grinding can contribute to muscle fatigue, tooth wear, and some jaw symptoms. Dr. Lee checks whether those patterns are contributing to your symptoms before recommending treatment.
Will TMJ treatment change my bite?
Treatment should be selected according to the diagnosis and intended clinical effect. Dr. Lee explains the purpose and limitations of any appliance before treatment.
When is a referral needed?
Referral is appropriate when the symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment required extends beyond the dental care Dr. Lee is providing.
Is Dr. Lee a TMJ specialist?
Dr. Lee has advanced training in TMD and orofacial pain. She evaluates and treats within her general-dentistry scope and coordinates specialty care when the diagnosis or treatment requires it.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.