TMJ disorders cause jaw pain, clicking and headaches. Most people start with low-cost care and only a few need surgery, so the price depends on how far treatment has to go.
What’s included
A dentist or doctor examines your jaw and bite. Treatment usually starts with home care and a mouth guard or splint, then physical therapy or injections, and surgery only as a last resort.
Cost at a glance
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $18-$5,000 for non-surgical care (surgery costs more) |
What each TMJ treatment costs
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Mouth guard (night guard) | $18 to $338 |
| Splints and braces | Up to $5,000 without insurance |
| Physical therapy | $10 and up with insurance |
| Arthrocentesis | $300 and up |
| Arthroscopy | $5,000 and up if not covered |
| Arthrotomy or arthroplasty | $5,000 and up if not covered |
| Modified condylotomy | $15,000 and up if not covered |
| TMJ joint replacement | $40,000 and up if not covered |
As listed by CareCredit from the sources it cites (Sept 2023).
What affects the price
- How far treatment goes: most people never need surgery.
- Custom vs store-bought guards: custom splints from a dentist cost far more than drugstore guards.
- Who treats it: dentists, physical therapists, oral surgeons and doctors all bill differently.
With dental insurance
When it is needed for your dental health, many plans treat this as basic care and pay part of it after your deductible, up to your annual maximum. Run your own numbers with the dental cost estimator.
Ways to pay less
- Ask both your dental and medical insurers; coverage for TMJ care varies by plan.
- Try the low-cost steps first (rest, warm or cold packs, a guard) before costly procedures, with your dentist’s advice.
- Get a written treatment plan with prices before you start.
- Dental schools and community health centers offer reduced-fee care. See how to afford dental work.
Sources
Prices are national figures from the sources above, checked October 14, 2026. Your dentist’s fees depend on your location, your mouth and their practice. This page is general information, not dental or medical advice.
What people actually paid for tmj treatment
Real prices reported by readers, not estimates. We only show a figure once enough people have reported it, and we never show individual reports.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a TMJ splint cost?
Custom splints and braces can cost up to $5,000 without insurance; a store-bought mouth guard can be as little as $18.
How much is TMJ surgery?
Arthrocentesis starts around $300; open joint surgery and joint replacement run from $5,000 to $40,000 and up without coverage.
Questions from readers
Question about TMJ treatment? Ask it here. We answer general questions on this page. For anything about your own teeth, ask your dentist.
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