New at Tampa TMJ
Emface for TMJ and jaw pain
A needle-free treatment that relaxes and retrains tight jaw muscles, with no surgery and no downtime. Dr. Leon makes it part of a plan built around you.
How Emface helps
Emface: relief for tight, painful jaw muscles, without needles
It is FDA-cleared for TMJ dysfunction and the pain that comes with it. Gentle radiofrequency warms the tissue and eases muscle spasm, while HIFES stimulation works the jaw muscles so they can move the way they should again.
- No needles, no surgery, no downtime
- About 20 minutes a session, while you relax
- You feel warmth and gentle muscle contractions, and you can stop anytime
- Part of one plan, built by Dr. Leon after your evaluation
How it works
Emface, made by BTL, combines two technologies in each applicator. Radiofrequency gently raises the temperature of the tissue, which helps ease muscle spasm and improve local circulation. HIFES stimulation contracts the jaw muscles, which helps treat TMJ dysfunction, ease the pain that comes with it, and support how far your jaw opens.
The applicators rest over the jaw joint area, just in front of your ears, while you sit back and relax.
What a session is like
Relaxed, about 20 minutes, and you are in control the whole time.
- Before: Wear something comfortable. We clean the skin on your face, you take off jewelry and other metal, and a small pad goes on your back. The treatment area needs to be free of hair, so it may be shaved.
- Where it goes: A fresh, single-use applicator is placed over each jaw joint, just in front of the ears.
- What you feel: Gentle muscle contractions and a comfortable warmth. We adjust the intensity to what you tell us. It should never burn or hurt.
- You are in control: You hold a button that stops the treatment anytime. No numbing is needed, because what you feel guides the session.
- How long: About 20 minutes.
- At Tampa TMJ: For TMJ, Dr. Leon starts with a series of four sessions, 2 to 14 days apart. She checks your symptoms and jaw function along the way, and if more sessions would help, especially for longstanding or more complex symptoms, she talks it through with you based on how you respond.
- Afterward: No recovery time. You can get right back to your day.
Is Emface right for me?
Emface can be a great fit if your jaw muscles feel tight, sore or in spasm, if your jaw feels stiff or does not open as far as it used to, or if you want a needle-free option as part of your care.
Dr. Leon looks at the whole picture first, then tells you honestly whether Emface belongs in your plan and how it works with the rest of your care.
Emface for your face, too
Tampa TMJ has all four Emface applicators: TMJ, forehead, cheeks, and submentum, the area under the chin. Dr. Leon selects the applicators based on each patient's evaluation and goals. Beyond TMJ care, Emface is FDA-cleared for the noninvasive, temporary reduction of facial wrinkles.
Facial treatment is its own plan, typically a series of six sessions, designed after Dr. Leon evaluates your goals and skin concerns. See facial aesthetics and rejuvenation.
Questions about Emface
Is Emface FDA-cleared?
Yes. Emface is FDA-cleared to relieve symptoms of muscle spasm, to treat TMJ dysfunction and the pain that comes with it, for muscle re-education, to increase local blood flow, and to maintain or increase how far the jaw opens. Read the FDA clearance (opens in a new tab).
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a comfortable warmth and gentle muscle contractions. We adjust the intensity to what you tell us, and the button in your hand stops the treatment anytime.
How many sessions will I need?
For TMJ, Dr. Leon starts with four sessions, 2 to 14 days apart, and checks how you are doing along the way. Some people with longstanding or more complex symptoms benefit from more, and she decides that with you based on your response.
Can I have Emface with braces, crowns or implants?
Braces, crowns and fillings do not necessarily rule out Emface. Tell us about any dental implants, other metal implants or electronic devices so Dr. Leon can make sure it is right for you before treatment.
Who should not have Emface?
Emface is not for everyone. Let us know if you are pregnant, nursing or going through IVF; if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator or other active implant; metal implants near the treatment area; a current or past cancer; a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners; or swollen, infected or inflamed skin where the applicator goes. Dr. Leon reviews your health history before any treatment.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as redness, slight swelling, a warm feeling, dry skin or muscle soreness. Dr. Leon goes over the full list with you before your first session.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can get right back to your day after a session.
Ready to find out if Emface can help your jaw?
Your first step is an evaluation with Dr. Leon, in English or Spanish. Call us or request a visit online.