SYMPTOMS
If You Notice These Signs, A Check-Up Helps
TMJ disorders often involve the joint, muscles, bite, and daily habits acting together
Clicking or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Your jaw feels stiff and heavy when you wake up
You habitually chew on one side only
Frequent throbbing headaches around the temples
Pain or a blocked feeling in front of or inside the ear
You have been told you grind or clench your teeth
If even one applies to you, we recommend
recording your current state with an examination.
Our Principle
Five Examinations First,
Treatment Comes After
TMJ disorder is a multifactorial condition where
the joint, muscles, bite, and habits act together.
International literature also recommends starting
with reversible, conservative treatment.
When we begin jaw care, we do not start with an injection or jump straight to making an appliance. We check five things first.
The shape of the bone, the left-right difference in bite force, which muscles are tender, how your teeth come together, and how much wear has accumulated over time.
Even with the same jaw pain, the treatment changes completely depending on whether the cause is the joint, the muscles, or the bite.
— The Medical Team of Yonsei Ona Dental Hospital —
5-Step Examination
Five Examinations Before Any Treatment
We check separately whether the load is on the bone, the muscles, or the bite
TMJ X-ray
Checking bone and joint structure
We first determine whether the sound and pain come from changes in the bone, or from a muscle or disc problem.
Quantitative Bite Force Measurement
Left-right balance of biting force
We compare the force on the left and right sides, and on front teeth versus molars, as numbers. Imbalances invisible to the eye are confirmed with data.
Head & Neck Muscle Palpation
Finding the painful muscles
We do not look at the jaw alone. We press along the temples, cheeks, neck, and shoulders, mapping the tender points. Jaw pain sometimes originates in the neck or shoulders.
Shimstock 8μm Occlusal Test
Detecting subtle premature contacts
Using a metal foil one-tenth the thickness of a hair, we check which tooth touches first when you bite. A very small difference in occlusion can keep jaw muscles constantly tense.
Tooth Wear Assessment
A record of accumulated force
The wear marks left on your teeth are a record of how hard your jaw has been working. They show that today’s pain did not start yesterday.
A large part of TMJ examinations is covered by Korean National Health Insurance.
Coverage for each item and your out-of-pocket cost will be explained at your visit.
Conservative Care
Reversible Treatments First: 7 Conservative Options
We do not push a single treatment We combine them based on your exam results
Appliance Therapy
Occlusal Stabilization Splint
An appliance that spreads biting force widely while you sleep and protects teeth from further wear. It is the backbone of conservative treatment.
Physical Therapy
TENS Physical Therapy
Micro-current stimulation relaxes stiffened jaw muscles, reaching deep muscles that massage cannot.
Physical Therapy
Spray & Stretch Therapy
When a muscle is too painful to stretch, a cooling spray eases the pain so the muscle can be stretched. Used for tight, aching myofascial pain.
Light Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Without injections or incisions, we start by calming the pain with low-level laser applied to the tender area.
Injection Therapy
Botulinum Toxin (Jaw Botox)
It lowers the intensity of the force a muscle produces. However, it does not remove the grinding habit itself, so we plan it together with appliances and exercise therapy.
Learn More About Jaw BotoxGuided Self-Exercise
6×6 Exercise Program
We coach you through six movements — tongue position, breathing, controlled mouth opening, and more — six times a day, six repetitions each. It is central to preventing recurrence.
Medication
Medication
Used minimally and only for the period needed to get through phases of severe pain.
For non-covered items, we explain the limits of their effect and individual variation first,
and decide together only when they are truly needed.
Tailored Plan
Your Exam Results Decide the Treatment
When an examination shows this, this is how we approach it
If the bone or joint shows structural change
We reduce the joint load with a stabilization splint and monitor its progress
If biting force is concentrated on one side
We address the overloaded muscles and redistribute the force with an appliance
If certain muscles are tender when pressed
We release the tight muscles with spray & stretch therapy and TENS
If a specific tooth touches before the others
We review the occlusion and prioritize reversible options such as a splint
If grinding or wear marks are found
We protect the teeth with a splint, adding botulinum toxin when needed
In practice, several findings often appear together, so treatments are combined. The combination is decided together with the doctor while reviewing your exam results.
TMJ Care,
Planned as a Team
A certified TMJ therapy doctor working
with prosthodontic and orthodontic specialists
Dr. Jiheon Kim
Director
Certified in temporomandibular joint therapy
Researcher, Medical Informatics, Seoul National University
- Certified in temporomandibular joint therapy
- Researcher, Dept. of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine
- Certified oral examination doctor, National Health Insurance Service
- Member, Korean Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Implantology
- Member, Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
- Member, Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
- Member, Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry
Collaborating Doctors
The jaw joint is closely tied to occlusion and tooth alignment.
Our 5-doctor collaborative system looks at it together.
Dr. Yuseong Kim
Chief Director · Hospital Director
- · Current) Clinical Professor, Yonsei University
- · Board-certified prosthodontist (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- · Certified institution for temporomandibular joint stimulation therapy
- · Completed TMJ disorder training · Member, TMJ Disorder Education & Research Society
As a prosthodontist who deals with occlusion (where and how you bite), he joins in on bite-force analysis and stabilization splint design.
Dr. Seungmin Ryu
Chief Director of Orthodontics
- · Board-certified orthodontist (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- · Completed orthodontic residency, Yonsei University Dental Hospital
When tooth alignment and bite relationships are found to be loading the jaw, the orthodontist joins the treatment planning.
“Even with the same jaw pain, the treatment changes completely depending on whether the cause is the joint, the muscles, or the bite. That is why we start with an examination, not an injection — and when the bite or tooth alignment is the cause, our prosthodontic and orthodontic specialists join in.”
- Dr. Jiheon Kim
Insurance
A Large Part Is Covered by National Health Insurance
When diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, exams and major treatments are insured items
Covered by Health Insurance
Examination & Consultation
Initial and follow-up visit fees
TMJ Examination
X-ray and basic tests
Physical Therapy
TENS and more
Occlusal Stabilization Splint
When diagnosed with TMJ disorder
Medication
Prescribed only for the period needed
Non-Covered Items
Botulinum Toxin
Decided after explaining effects and limits
Low-Level Laser
Decided after explaining effects and limits
Coverage scope and out-of-pocket costs can vary with the diagnosis,
so each item is explained at your visit. Fees for non-covered care
are listed in the fee guide posted in our clinic.
5 Yonsei-Trained Specialists
Yonsei Ona Dental
Expert Medical Team
Dr. Yuseong Kim
Chief DirectorCurrent) Yonsei University Clinical Professor
Board-Certified Prosthodontist (MOHW)
Board-Certified Integrated Dentistry Specialist (MOHW)
- Chief Director, Yonsei Ona Dental Hospital
- Yonsei University College of Dentistry Graduate
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital Clinical Practice
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital Intern
- Ajou University Dental Hospital Resident
- Master's Degree in Periodontal Implant Prosthodontics, Ajou University
- Certified Prosthodontist (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Taiwan Bio Tech Consulting Physician
- Implant Placement Patent No. 10-2537546
- Dental Stapler Patent Pending
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider
- CPR Certification
- Korean Academy of Prosthodontics Digital Master Course
- UCLA Dental Hospital Externship
- TMJ Therapy Certification
- TMJ Disorder Training Completed
- TMJ Disorder Education & Research Association Member
- Korean Academy of Prosthodontics Member
- Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology Member
- Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Member
- Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry Member
- Former) Vice Director, Boryeong Hana Plant
- Former) Vice Director, Ace Dental
- Former) Vice Director, Ansan Yonsei Dental
Dr. Jinhyung Kim
DirectorCurrent) Yonsei University Clinical Professor
Board-Certified Integrated Dentistry Specialist (MOHW)
- Director, Yonsei Ona Dental Hospital
- Yonsei University College of Dentistry Graduate
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital Clinical Practice
- Taiwan Bio Tech Consulting Physician
- Korean Public Health Dentists Association Representative
- TMJ Therapy Certification
- TMJ Disorder Training Completed
- TMJ Disorder Education & Research Association Member
- Korean Academy of Prosthodontics Member
- Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology Member
- Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Member
- Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry Member
- U-Penn Endo Course Completed
- Osstem Master Course Completed
- Former) KDCA Oral Examiner
- Former) Dental Director, Dongbu Detention Center Medical Department
- Former) Vice Director, Smile365
- Former) Vice Director, Kim's Plant
Dr. Jinwoo Choi
DentistBoard-Certified Prosthodontics Specialist (MOHW)
Board-Certified Integrated Dentistry Specialist (MOHW)
- Yonsei University College of Dentistry Graduate
- M.S. in Periodontics-Implant Prosthodontics, Ajou University
- Resident, Ajou University Dental Hospital
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider
- Korean Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Implantology Member
- Korean Academy of Prosthodontics Member
- Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Member
- Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry Member
Dr. Jiheon Kim
DentistResearcher, Dept. of Biomedical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine
TMJ Therapy Certification
- Researcher, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine
- National Health Insurance Corporation Certified Oral Examiner
- TMJ Therapy Certified Dentist
- Korean Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Implantology Member
- Korean Academy of Prosthodontics Member
- Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Member
- Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry Member
- Former) Vice Director, Hanaplant Dental Clinic
- Former) Vice Director, Osan Kingkong Dental Clinic
- Former) Vice Director, Dasi Jeolmeojineun Dental Clinic
Dr. Seungmin Ryu
Orthodontics DirectorBoard-Certified Orthodontist (MOHW)
Yonsei University College of Dentistry (Graduated with Honors)
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital Intern / Orthodontics Resident
- Korean Association of Orthodontists Certified & Member
- Yonsei University Orthodontics Research Association Member
- Yonsei University Graduate School Combined Master's & PhD Program (Orthodontics)
- UCSF & UOP Orthodontics Exchange Program
- World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) Fellowship
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Member
- Invisalign Certification
- Korean Dental Association Award - Yonsei University
- KAO Residency Academic Conference Excellence Award
- Taiwan International Orthodontics Representative (Korea)
- TAO & APOS International Orthodontics Excellence Award
- Yonsei University Orthodontics Department Outstanding Resident Award
SLOGAN
Your Family's Dental Home,
Yonsei Ona Dental
Caring for you like family,
with honest and conscientious treatment.
Our 5 Promises
We will diagnose honestly and never over-treat.
We will always research ways to save your teeth.
We will treat thoroughly, leaving nothing overlooked.
We will consider patient comfort and minimize pain.
We will provide clean treatments with sterilized instruments and equipment.
Why Yonsei Ona Dental
Is the Best Choice
Digital Facilities
& Specialist Care
Two Yonsei University Clinical Professors
and top specialists provide collaborative care
with cutting-edge technology
Designated Partner of
Major University Hospitals
Post-treatment follow-up care from university hospitals,
sharing clinical cases and close collaboration
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
Yonsei Severance Hospital
Ajou University Hospital
Chung-Ang University Hospital
Dankook University Hospital
Active Academic Research
We collaborate with university professors, mentor residents,
and stay updated on the latest clinical data and research
Student Clinical Mentoring (Dr. Yuseong Kim)
Student Clinical Mentoring (Dr. Jinhyung Kim)
89th Korean Academy of Prosthodontics Conference Presentation
Extensive Clinical Experience
We continuously accumulate far more clinical experience than typical neighborhood dental clinics.
Latest Research Updates
We stay connected with university professors and mentor residents to keep up with the latest clinical data and research trends.
Implant Placement Patent Filed
We are dedicated to implant research.
Constantly striving for better treatments.
Dental Stapler Patent Pending
A Dentist's Guide to
Truly Safe Dental Treatment
Published for public oral health education
Spreading accurate dental knowledge
“We hope patients can receive treatment
with peace of mind, armed with proper knowledge
and free from fear of dental care”
- Dr. Yuseong Kim, Chief Director
365-Day Service
Evening Hours Available
Made possible by our large team and facility
Weekdays
Evening Hours
Weekends/Holidays
Regular Hours
Even during evenings and weekends,
our care is provided directly by
our Chief Directors themselves
Our Building
Yonsei Ona Dental Hospital
Sol Square Building, 2nd Floor
Sol Square Bldg. 2F, Guseong-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Korea
5-min walk from Guseong Station Exit 2 (Suin-Bundang Line, GTX-A)
How to Find Us
Sol Square 2F, Guseong-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi, Korea
Across from Daiso Yongin Guseong Store
From Guseong Station: Turn left → Pass Daiso → Turn right
From Emart Traders: Go straight 1km
From Suji IC: Exit towards Guseong → Go straight 1.5km
Convenient Parking Available
Sol Square Underground Parking (B1-B5)
※ Vehicle registration required at front desk
B2 and B4 have no elevator access. (B1, B3, B5 recommended)
Yonsei Ona Dental prioritizes your convenience.
From comfortable parking to pleasant treatment spaces,
we are building a patient-centered dental clinic.
Office Hours
Contact us using your preferred method
Learn About Various Treatments
Through Our Videos
Dental Stories from Yonsei Ona Dental's Chief Director
Featured on Medical Channel Biondwi
Health Program with Dr. Esther Yeo, Dr. Hong Hye-geol
Liberation from Dentures in Elderly
All-on-X Treatment
Yonsei Ona Dental Hospital - Dr. Yuseong Kim, Prosthodontist
Dr. Yuseong Kim, Chief Director
appeared as a full-arch implant specialist
to explain All-on-X treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
My jaw only clicks without pain. Do I need treatment?
If there is only a sound, with no pain or limited mouth opening, immediate treatment is often unnecessary. However, checking the nature of the sound and the joint structure once gives you a baseline to compare against if things change later. We first record your current state with an examination and decide together whether it is time to treat. If we judge that treatment is not needed right now, we will tell you so.
What does a TMJ examination include?
Five basics: TMJ X-ray, quantitative bite force measurement, head and neck muscle palpation, 8μm shimstock occlusal test, and tooth wear assessment. Each looks at a different target, so we can separate whether the problem lies in the bone, the muscles, or the bite. Results are explained on the same day.
Are exams and treatments covered by health insurance?
When diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, examinations, physical therapy, and the occlusal stabilization splint are largely covered by Korean National Health Insurance. Botulinum toxin and laser therapy are non-covered items. Which items are covered and which are not is explained item by item when we go over your exam results.
Do I really need the splint? Can botox alone work?
The two play different roles. Botulinum toxin lowers the intensity of the force a muscle produces, while the stabilization splint spreads the remaining force widely and keeps teeth from striking each other directly. Since an injection does not remove the grinding habit itself, the splint is especially important once tooth wear has progressed. Depending on your exam results, some cases are managed with the splint alone.
Treatment at another clinic did not help. What is different here?
The area to address changes depending on which muscle the pain comes from. Pain around the temples may involve the temporalis, while deep pain in front of the ear and inside the jaw with limited mouth opening may involve the medial pterygoid. We first identify the target muscle through palpation and bite force testing, then add appliance and physical therapy when needed. If you have records from previous treatment, please bring them to your consultation.