Pain Relief
Treatment reduces muscle tension and the headaches that often come with a TMJ disorder.
Accepting New Patients
TMJ Treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Dealing with jaw pain, clicking, or frequent headaches? TMJ treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA targets the root cause of jaw dysfunction to relieve your discomfort. At Elite Dentistry, Dr. Lari creates customized plans that restore proper function and bring lasting relief.
2,500+
Happy Patients
25+ Years
Experience
Same-Day
Emergency Care
Understanding Your Treatment
What Is TMJ Treatment?
TMJ treatment relieves jaw pain and restores proper function, often with a custom-fitted oral appliance. These devices help realign the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and protect your teeth from grinding. Using advanced imaging like CBCT, Dr. Lari builds a precise plan tailored to your condition. The goal is to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes for lasting relief.
The Benefits
The Benefits of TMJ Treatment
Joint Protection
A custom appliance helps prevent further damage to your jaw joints over time.
Better Sleep
Reducing nighttime grinding and clenching can improve the quality of your sleep.
Non-Surgical Option
Oral appliance therapy offers a conservative, non-surgical approach to jaw pain.
The Process
Our Step-by-Step Process
From your first exam to the final result, here's exactly what to expect — calm, clear, and never rushed.
Request an Appointment- 01
Evaluation
We start with a thorough exam and advanced imaging to assess your jaw joints and bite.
- 02
Custom Appliance
We craft an oral appliance precisely fitted to your mouth for comfort and effectiveness.
- 03
Fitting
We fit the appliance and make sure it positions your jaw correctly to ease tension.
- 04
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular check-ins let us adjust your treatment for the best possible results.
Is It Right for You?
Signs You May Need TMJ Treatment
Jaw Pain
You feel persistent discomfort or tenderness in your jaw.
Clicking or Popping
You hear or feel noises when opening and closing your mouth.
Frequent Headaches
You get regular tension headaches or migraines.
Limited Movement
You have trouble opening your mouth fully.
Diagnosis & Triggers
How TMJ Is Diagnosed and What Affects It
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relief. During your visit, Dr. Lari will review your symptoms and medical history, examine your jaw for tenderness, clicking, or limited movement, and check how your teeth fit together. Advanced imaging, such as CBCT scans, allows a detailed look at the joint and surrounding structures, helping pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort.
What to Expect From Treatment
Your treatment starts with a complete evaluation of your jaw, bite, and symptoms. From there, Dr. Lari may recommend a custom oral appliance to ease tension and protect your teeth, along with guidance on habits and stress management. Most patients begin noticing relief as their jaw muscles relax and grinding decreases, and we monitor your progress and make adjustments along the way.
Can Stress Make TMJ Worse?
Stress is one of the most common contributors to TMJ flare-ups, often without patients even realizing it. When you are tense, you may unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth, especially during sleep, placing extra strain on the joint and surrounding muscles. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, better sleep habits, and a custom night guard can significantly reduce these effects.
You're in good company… Glowing Reviews
Glowing Reviews
From Our Patients
5-star rated dental care from patients like you…
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Truly the most wonderful experience with a dental office and staff I’ve ever experienced. I came into Elite having recently experienced poor experiences elsewhere in town, and couldn’t believe how kind, capable and professional the team is here. I am 6 months into my Invisalign process and couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend Elite for general dentistry to anyone!” — Alex
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Have been coming here for years. They accommodate all my needs and are very thorough with what they need to work on regarding my dental wellbeing. They also have very advanced dental technology which I love.” — Nicholas
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I just moved to OC and needed to find a new dental office. I had my first visit today with Elite Dentistry and was very impressed. Everyone who worked there was so kind and attentive and the equipment they use is very advanced. They recommend treatment without making you feel pressured.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “This is the dentist I've been waiting for! An absolute artist and master of the craft. When someone is passionate about what they do, it shows! Dr. Rastegar-Lari is simy the best in the area. We did some major work yesterday, and today I feel and look great! Thanks Doc!0” — K
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The stuff was very professional and informative.” — Anna
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr. Lari is so kind and gentle and a comforting personality that I have not seen in the dentistry business as long as I have had teeth. He is special and we are lucky to have him in our small community. He makes you feel like you are family and you will appreciate that. No hidden charges or overpricing at all at this office. He went way over and above in quality and cosmetic items I needed for what I paid for. He is my hero.” — Steve
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such a great experience at Elite Dentistry in RSM. The ladies at the front desk are so sweet and welcoming and just make everything feel easy from the moment you walk in. The assistants were gentle and attentive and really made sure I was comfortable the whole time.Dr. Lari was amazing. So professional, calm, and thorough. I felt completely at ease and genuinely taken care of. You can tell this office really cares!Highly recommend!” — Yasmeen
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is hands down one of the best dental clinics I’ve ever been to. Dr Mehran is truly the best in the industry extremely knowledgeable, professional, and someone you can genuinely trust. The entire team is welcoming and attentive, and you can tell ethics and patient care are a top priority here.They use state of the art technology and the latest equipment, which makes a huge difference in both comfort and results. Everything is explained clearly, there’s no pressure, and you always feel like they’re doing what’s best for you not just what’s convenient.Highly recommend Elite Dentistry to anyone looking for top-tier dental care with honesty, precision, and professionalism” — Masoud
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is the best. I grew up with an unnatural fear of dentists but these guys squashed that for me. They are very kind and thorough. They explain every step to make sure I was comfortable with their recommendations. The pricing is fair. I feel good about sending my family here for their dental needs.” — Kevin
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The staff is amazing at Elite Dentistry, very friendly, reassuring and especially gentle. The doctor is very friendly, gentle as well and never upsells.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had a great experience with Dr. Lari. The staff was incredibly friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I was at ease throughout the visit. I don’t usually get to see the dentist very often, but when I did, it was clear that he knew exactly what he was doing and was very confident and skilled. I truly appreciate the level of care and attention I received and would highly recommend dr.Lari to anyone looking for excellent dental care!” — Leticia
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such an amazing experience at Elite Dentistry and cannot recommend them enough. From start to finish, everything was seamless, calm, and genuinely pleasant which is saying a lot when it comes to dental visits.Dr. Mehran Rastegar-Lari is truly exceptional. He is incredibly kind, patient, and clearly very knowledgeable. He took the time to educate me throughout the process, answered all of my questions, and made sure I felt comfortable every step of the way. You can tell he genuinely cares about his patients and their experience, not just the end result.Omar, the dental assistant, was equally amazing. I suffer from pretty high dental anxiety, and he was so calming, reassuring, and supportive. He helped me relax and made the entire visit feel manageable and even comfortable. He was truly great.The front desk staff was also fantastic. Super outgoing, welcoming, and kind from the moment I walked in. The positive energy made a huge difference.On top of all that, I had a crown done the same day, and the process was completely effortless. No stress, no hassle, and everything was handled efficiently and smoothly.If you are looking for a dental office that combines professionalism, compassion, and top tier care, Elite Dentistry is it. I am so grateful I found them. 🦷✨” — Sara
The Elite Dentistry Difference
Why You'll Love TMJ Treatment at Elite Dentistry
Jaw pain can wear on your whole day, and we help you find relief. Here is why patients trust us with their TMJ care.
Here are just a few reasons our patients love us:
- Advanced CBCT Imaging
- Custom Oral Appliances
- Non-Surgical Approach
- Experienced Care
Frequently Asked Questions
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
Don't see the answer you're looking for? Call us at (949) 888-8989.
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?
Mild cases may improve with self-care, but most TMJ disorders need professional treatment for lasting relief. An evaluation helps determine the right approach.
Is wearing a night guard comfortable?
Yes, modern custom-fitted guards are designed for comfort. Most patients adjust quickly and find the relief well worth it.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
It varies with the severity of your condition. Some patients feel relief within weeks, while others benefit from ongoing management.
What causes TMJ disorders?
Causes range from teeth grinding and clenching to bite misalignment and jaw stress. Dr. Lari will identify what is driving your symptoms and tailor treatment to it.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies, since some plans classify it as dental and others as medical. Our team will help you review both your dental and medical benefits.
How much does tmj treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA cost?
The cost of tmj treatment depends on a few factors, including the scope of your treatment plan and whether additional imaging or procedures are needed. During your visit, we'll walk you through a clear, itemized estimate before anything begins — no surprises. At Elite Dentistry, we work closely with most insurance providers to maximize your benefits, and we offer flexible financing options and new patient specials to make quality care comfortable for every budget.
Schedule Your TMJ Treatment Consultation
Do not let jaw pain run your day. Fill out the form below, and our team will reach out within one business hour.
25+ Years of Care
About Our Dentistry
Trusted Local Care in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- Licensure
- CA License #65190 · Verify
- Insurance
- We work with most insurance providers.
- No Insurance?
- No problem — ask about our new patient specials and payment plans.
- Financing
- A wide range of dental financing options for every budget.
- Counties Served
- Orange County
- Cities Served
- Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Trabuco Canyon
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