FAQ

This totally depends on you — how your jaw responds, how well you’re picking up the exercises, and what your jaw has been through (some jaws have seen things… others are just dramatic).

Most people fall somewhere between every 2–4 weeks for follow-ups. These 30–45 minute check-ins let us:

• Look at how you’re doing with your exercises
• Fine-tune your form so you’re not accidentally training your jaw to do weird things
• Add new exercises when you’re ready to level up

It’s enough structure to keep you moving forward without taking over your life.

Your Plan of Care spans roughly 5–12 months, depending on your goals and the root issues we’re working on (muscle imbalance, posture habits, jaw mechanics, all the usual troublemakers).

Massage Therapy (if included): weekly or monthly

How often you come for hands-on work really depends on what’s going on:

• If you’re in an acute flare-up: we start with weekly sessions to calm things down and get you out of “my jaw hates me” mode.
• If you’re preparing for a frenectomy: we position sessions before the release to get the tissue prepped and cooperative, and after the release to support healing and help your tongue + jaw actually use their new range.
• If you’re stable and doing well: sessions might space out to monthly for maintenance.

Hands-on sessions help:

• Reduce tension in the jaw, tongue, neck, and shoulders
• Ease pain and stiffness
• Improve mobility so your exercises stop fighting an uphill battle

Consistency is key here — so planning these sessions in advance keeps you from losing momentum right when things are actually starting to work.

Short answer: nope — and there’s a good reason.

I used to offer session-by-session, but TMJ care is way too complex for the “pop in when you feel like it” approach. After years of training and treating hundreds of jaws, it became obvious that real progress only happens with consistency and a structured plan. Without that, you get a bit of relief… and then the symptoms boomerang right back.

There’s also a mindset shift that happens when you commit. When you’re half-in, half-out, it’s easy to skip exercises, delay appointments, or only show up when things are flaring. But when you commit to a plan, you show up differently — you’re invested, you follow through, and your jaw actually responds faster because your habits and home care finally line up with the treatment.

The Plans of Care are built to give you the right frequency, the right progression, and enough time for your muscles, habits, and mechanics to actually change. That’s how you get real, lasting relief — not the TMJ version of “fix it for the weekend.”

So no more one-off sessions — not because I’m mean, but because they just don’t work for long-term relief with TMJD. I’m here to help you actually get out of this cycle, not just feel a little better for a few days.”

• Avoid hard and crunchy foods and opt for softer foods that don’t require a lot of chewing
• Do not chew gum, bite nails, or rest your hand on your chin
• Avoid opening your mouth wider than one or two inches
• Chew with both sides of your mouth if possible
• If pain is acute, apply a cold compress up to four times a day for five to ten minutes
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing medication

No! 

I understand your fear since this is often a triggering event for a flare-up in TMJD symptoms. However, unlike some dental or medical procedures that require you to maintain an open mouth position, this is not the case with the intra-oral massage. You will need to initially open your mouth to allow access for me to treat you, but once I am inside, you can close your mouth and maintain a comfortable and relaxed position.

No, unfortunately appointments are not covered by OHIP. However if you have an extended health care plan, we issue receipts that can be submitted for reimbursement based on your plans coverage.

Myofunctional therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and jaw. It helps improve breathing, swallowing, and muscle function—all of which play a role in TMJD. Think of it as physical therapy for your face and jaw!

Yes! Myofunctional therapy is not a passive therapy. To ensure results you will need to be able to commit to doing simple daily exercises. It doesn’t take a lot of time, just 5min, 2x/day.Treating TMJD is like hitting the gym to build strength and fitness.

You wouldn’t expect to hit the gym once, crush a killer workout, and walk out ripped, right? Progress happens when you show up consistently, follow a plan, and gradually challenge yourself. Skipping sessions or doing exercises incorrectly just slows your progress (or makes things worse).

No, the clinic is not set up for direct billing.

At The TMJ Clinic, we primarily work with adults to address TMJ disorders and other related conditions. Unfortunately, we do not offer treatment for children at this time. If you are looking for treatment for your child we would be happy to refer you to one of our trusted colleagues that work with the age group.

We do not handle HCAI or process OCF-18 forms. If your treatment is the result of a motor vehicle accident (MVA), payment in full will be required at the time of your appointment.