EMFACE Glossary: Key Terms Explained

The technologies

EMFACE

A non-invasive, needle-free facial device from BTL that combines synchronized radiofrequency with HIFES muscle stimulation to treat facial skin and muscle at the same time. It also has an FDA-cleared use for TMJ dysfunction.

Synchronized radiofrequency (RF)

Radio-wave energy delivered at the same time as the muscle stimulation. For aesthetic use, BTL states the RF is intended to stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin; for the TMJ use, to raise tissue temperature to help relieve muscle-spasm symptoms and support circulation.

HIFES (High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation)

EMFACE’s technology for making facial muscles contract selectively and intensely — far more than voluntary movement — to condition and tone them. It is the "muscle" half of EMFACE, distinct from the skin-directed radiofrequency.

HIFEM

A different, electromagnetic technology used in BTL’s body devices such as Emsculpt and Emsella — not the same as EMFACE’s HIFES. The names look alike; the technologies and target areas differ. See EMFACE vs Emsculpt.

The anatomy

Frontalis

The forehead muscle that raises the brow. It is one of the muscles measured in EMFACE research, where tone improved at three months; it is central to EMFACE’s brow effect.

Zygomaticus major

A midface muscle that lifts the corner of the mouth and cheek when you smile. Along with the frontalis, it is one of the muscles EMFACE research has measured.

Masseter

The powerful muscle at the side of the jaw that is primarily responsible for closing the mouth — the main muscle you clench with. It is a frequent source of jaw tension. See EMFACE for masseter tension.

The jaw and clinical terms

TMJ / TMD

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are, per the NIH’s NIDCR, a group of more than 30 conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that move it. As of 2025, EMFACE carries an FDA clearance for the treatment of TMJ dysfunction.

Muscle re-education

Retraining how a muscle activates. It is one of the effects named in EMFACE’s FDA-cleared TMJ indication, referring to helping the jaw muscles function more normally.

Mandibular range of motion

How far and how freely the lower jaw (mandible) can move. "Maintenance or improvement of mandibular range of motion" is part of EMFACE’s FDA-cleared TMJ indication.

Muscle spasm

An involuntary muscle contraction. EMFACE’s TMJ clearance includes "relief of symptoms associated with muscle spasm" — one of the specific, cleared uses we stay within.

Bruxism

Clenching, grinding, or gnashing the teeth, often subconsciously and sometimes during sleep. It overworks the jaw muscles and can contribute to jaw pain and TMJ problems. See EMFACE for jaw clenching.

Neuromuscular dentistry

A training approach focused on how the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints work together. It is not an ADA-recognized specialty, and a dentist practicing it is described by the approach — never as a "specialist."

Regulatory and results terms

FDA-cleared vs FDA-approved

Devices like EMFACE go through the FDA’s 510(k) "clearance" process — so the correct term is "cleared," not "approved." We always say EMFACE is FDA-cleared.

Submentum

The area under the chin. "EMFACE Submentum" is a dedicated applicator for the under-chin and jawline region.

Collagen and elastin

Proteins that give skin its firmness (collagen) and stretch/recoil (elastin). BTL states EMFACE’s radiofrequency is intended to stimulate their production in the skin.

Downtime

Recovery time after a treatment. EMFACE requires none — you can return to normal activities immediately. See aftercare.

Maintenance

Periodic follow-up sessions to help sustain results, since EMFACE results are not permanent. There is no single fixed interval; a provider recommends a cadence based on how your results hold.