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Portland Functional Dentistry Focused on Bite, Airway & Smile Stability Dentistry That Goes Deeper Meet Our Team

Dr. Maryam Motlagh, DMD, MICCMO | Portland TMJ, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentist

Dr. Maryam Motlagh is a Portland, Oregon-based general and cosmetic dentist whose clinical approach looks beyond individual teeth to the function, comfort, and long-term stability of the entire oral system. Her work combines cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, TMJ/TMD evaluation, airway-focused dentistry, occlusion, sleep-related dental screening, and advanced mandibular function analysis.

A graduate with honors from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, Dr. Motlagh has pursued extensive advanced education in restorative dentistry, occlusion, neuromuscular dentistry, temporomandibular disorders, airway health, sleep dentistry, laser dentistry, and orthodontic principles.

She is a Master of the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, MICCMO, reflecting advanced education and clinical experience in cranio-mandibular function, neuromuscular dentistry, occlusion, and TMD.

Dr. Motlagh is also the founder and CEO of Myohealth Technologies, Inc. and inventor of Myoaligner®, an FDA-cleared dental appliance. In addition to treating patients at Aesthetic Smiles, she is an educator, published author, researcher, and faculty member who teaches dentists how to recognize functional risk and incorporate physiologic principles into comprehensive restorative and cosmetic care.

A Functional Approach to TMJ, Bite & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Motlagh believes beautiful dentistry should not only look good; it should also function comfortably and predictably. Her clinical philosophy focuses on understanding the relationship between the teeth, bite, jaw joints, muscles, airway, facial support, and surrounding structures before committing a patient to extensive irreversible treatment.

This approach can be especially important for patients seeking TMJ or TMD evaluation in Portland, as well as those with clenching or grinding, jaw pain, headaches, significant tooth wear, an unstable or changing bite, repeated restorative failures, complex cosmetic needs, full mouth reconstruction needs, or airway and sleep-related concerns that may affect dental treatment planning.

When appropriate, Dr. Motlagh uses reversible diagnostic and stabilization strategies to evaluate a proposed therapeutic jaw position before proceeding with definitive restorative, orthodontic, or cosmetic care. For patients considering extensive treatment, smile makeovers, veneers, crowns, clear aligners, or full mouth reconstruction, this can provide valuable information before irreversible dentistry begins.

The goal is not simply to repair damaged teeth or improve the appearance of the smile, but to understand the functional environment in which the final dentistry must perform.

Education & Advanced Training

Dr. Motlagh’s education and advanced training include:

  • International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics: Mastership recognition, MICCMO.
  • Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry: Doctor of Dental Medicine, graduated with honors in 1998.
  • Lewis & Clark College: Bachelor of Science, honors graduate.
  • Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies: Fellowship and advanced education in cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, and occlusion.
  • Spear Education / Spear Institute: Advanced education in restorative dentistry and occlusion.
  • Epigenetic Orthodontic Program: Postdoctoral education under Dave Singh, DMD, PhD.
  • Seattle Institute of Advanced Dental Studies: Advanced dental education.
  • Academy of Laser Dentistry: Certification through the Academy of Laser Dentistry.

Her continuing education reflects a central principle of her practice: complex dentistry becomes more predictable when diagnosis and treatment planning consider both structure and function.

Professional Distinctions

Dr. Motlagh is a Silver and Bronze Medal winner in the National Smile Competition hosted by the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, recognizing her work in aesthetic dentistry.

Innovation, Research & Dental Education

Dr. Motlagh is the inventor of Myoaligner®, an FDA-cleared dental appliance developed as a reversible clinical tool for functional evaluation, bite stabilization, and treatment planning. She founded Myohealth Technologies, Inc. to expand dentists’ access to functional treatment concepts through education, technology, digital workflows, and clinical support.

Myoaligner® has received FDA 510(k) clearance as the Myoaligner Appliance, K230548.


Read here

Her published work includes “Myoaligner®: An Innovative Approach to Occlusion, TMD and Airway Treatment: A Case Study,” published in Advanced Dental Technologies & Techniques in 2024.


Read Here

She is also a co-author of “Myoaligner® as a diagnostic, therapeutic and reversible decision-making tool in the management of temporomandibular disorders: A case review,” published in the OHSU School of Dentistry Anthology in 2026.

Dr. Motlagh is also the author of “Why Quality Dentistry Sometimes Fails,” published in Dentaltown Magazine in June 2026. The article explores how breathing, swallowing, and jaw function connect to treatment longevity and examines the role of a physiologic approach in clinical outcomes.


Read Here

Faculty, Speaking & Professional Teaching

Dr. Motlagh serves as Faculty and a Restorative Dentistry Educator with Airway Health Solutions, where her teaching includes physiologic restorative dentistry, TMD, airway health, occlusion, and full-mouth rehabilitation.

Airway Health Solutions faculty profile
 

She also teaches through Myoaligner Academy, contributing to professional education in functional dentistry, TMD screening, occlusion, bite evaluation, clinical implementation, and restorative treatment planning. Myoaligner Academy’s continuing education program is AGD PACE-approved and is overseen by an educational committee. Dentists participating in eligible Academy training may earn continuing education credit through the Academy’s PACE-approved program.

Dr. Motlagh has previously taught Digital Coronoplasty for Myotronics, including concepts related to orthotic delivery, neuromuscular dentistry, jaw tracking, occlusion, and digital bite refinement.

Myotronics Digital Coronoplasty course reference

She has also been a featured dental speaker for the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Featured Media, Interviews & Online Presence

Dr. Motlagh’s public interviews and online media appearances help patients, dentists, and referral sources better understand her clinical philosophy, her work with Myoaligner®, and her approach to TMJ, airway, occlusion, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative stability.

Featured media includes:

The DOC Podcast with Dr. Mike DeLuke
Dr. Motlagh joined Dr. Mike DeLuke on The DOC Podcast, Episode 143, “Addressing the Neuromuscular Component of Malocclusion, TMD, & Airway.” In this interview, she discussed the relationship between malocclusion, TMD, airway health, neuromuscular balance, facial support, and long-term treatment success.

The DOC Podcast
 

7 Figure Dental with Dr. Shahin Safarian
Dr. Motlagh appeared on 7 Figure Dental with Dr. Shahin Safarian to discuss Myoaligner®, physiologic dentistry, TMD care, clinical implementation, and how dentists can approach functional dental problems more comprehensively.

Expert Reviews
 

Talkin’ Teeth with Dr. J / Dr. Julian Camastra
Dr. Motlagh was featured on Talkin’ Teeth with Dr. J in the episode “Why Good Dentistry Fails If the Bite Is Wrong.” The discussion explored how the bite, jaw joints, muscles, tongue posture, airway, swallowing, head and neck posture, TMD, and long-term dental stability are connected.


Talkin' Teeth

Myoaligner® Professional Media & Expert Reviews
Additional videos and professional media related to Dr. Motlagh’s work with Myoaligner® are available through the Myoaligner® expert reviews and media page.

Comprehensive Care at Aesthetic Smiles in Portland

At Aesthetic Smiles, Dr. Motlagh combines her background in cosmetic and restorative dentistry with advanced training in functional and physiologic dentistry. Her goal is to help patients understand not only what needs to be treated, but also why a problem may have developed and what factors may influence the long-term success of treatment.

For Portland patients seeking cosmetic dentistry, TMJ/TMD care, complex restorative dentistry, smile makeovers, full mouth reconstruction, airway-focused dental evaluation, or advanced bite analysis, this broader approach can help identify functional considerations before treatment begins.

Patients who have experienced repeated dental failures, worn teeth, broken crowns, bite changes, jaw pain, headaches, clenching, grinding, or cosmetic changes related to bite collapse may benefit from a more complete evaluation before moving forward with irreversible dental treatment.

The result is an approach designed to bring together health, function, comfort, stability, facial support, and aesthetics rather than treating each of those goals separately.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Maryam Motlagh

If you are experiencing TMJ or bite-related concerns, considering cosmetic dentistry, smile makeover treatment, restorative dentistry, full mouth reconstruction, or would like a more comprehensive understanding of your dental health, contact Aesthetic Smiles in Portland to request an appointment with Dr. Motlagh.

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What Patients Say After Their First Diagnosis

    "This is not your average dental office, this is Aesthetic Smiles. "
    This is not your average dental office, this is Aesthetic Smiles. I won't go anywhere else. Recently had a much needed deep clean done at AS. I appreciated her attention to detail so much! She made sure I would walk away with a future for healthy gums and a better smile. I am so thankful for the work she did, and for all the work AS has done for me so far.
    Mindy
    "Wonderful Experience"
    Great staff and Dr. Tennant is knowledgeable, empathetic, approachable, and relatable.
    Craig Zanon
    "Love the Team at Aesthetic Smiles!"
    My treatment here made a big difference in my overall quality of life.
    Ritika Saripalli
    "This is a wonderful place to go."
    The staff is so nice.
    Shari Young
    "Great folks - very friendly and professional."
    Very friendly and professional. They always do good work.
    John Blyler
    "Dr. Motlaugh is so peaceful"
    The inlays she created to take in and out so you can correct your bite are cutting-edge technology.
    Judy Masterson
    "They take such great care of me!"
    After a few years of work I can breathe better, I no longer get jaw pain and my teeth are straight.
    Samantha Alt
    "I would highly recommend this office!"
    Great staff and great services.
    Madison Maixner
    "These Guys Are Amazing!"
    The knowledge and capabilities they possess, along with their eagerness to help, make for great treatment!
    ClDl SolshineGrowing
    "Always the Best and Fun Too"
    Always the best and fun too, but still very professional.
    Matt Voegtle
    "Always the Best Professional Service"
    Always the best of professional service.
    Joe Glomboski
    "This is the best dentist ever!"
    Seriously, this is the best dentist ever! They are beyond thorough, competent, and friendly.
    Suzie Gannett
    "They make going to the dentist a pleasure"
    They make going to the dentist a pleasure.
    Joanne Moutoux
    "I know great dentistry"
    I can not say enough good things about Dr. Motlagh and her entire staff.
    Jackie Snook
    "Highly Recommended"
    Very relaxing environment and quality job.
    Stephen Fenzi
    "Weekly headaches went away"
    I had weekly headaches until I had an orthotic fitted. They went away!
    Evan Komp
    "They Do a Great Job"
    They do a great job.
    Laurie King
    "TMJ Treatment With Dr. Motlagh"
    The treatment is non-invasive, using the latest technology.
    Miriam M
    "Amazing, Caring, and Comforting"
    So passionate about their work and create a caring and comforting atmosphere!
    Rachel Arnold
    "Best Experience With a Dentist"
    This is the best experience I have ever had with a dentist and dental practice!
    Emma Kintz
    "I Love My Dentist"
    Her and her staff do an amazing job and are very caring!
    wanda briggs
    "Caring and Professional Group"
    Caring and professional group!
    Eric Kaczmarek
    "As Good as It Gets"
    The quality of work, atmosphere, amenities, and staff are as good as it gets.
    Dick Capello
    "Their standards of care are extremely high"
    Their standards of care are extremely high and the final result always exceptional.
    Greg Pressler
    "They Are the Best and Like Family"
    They regained my trust in dentistry and I look forward to my appointments now.
    Jamie Nadherny
    "They Are Absolutely Wonderful"
    They are absolutely wonderful and make you feel very comfortable.
    Corie Parker
    "Aesthetic Smiles Takes Great Care"
    They make you feel so comfortable and make your experience a pleasant one every time!
    Vanessa Benedetti
    "Her work is impeccable"
    Even after moving across town I come to Aesthetic Smiles, her work is impeccable.
    Kelly Rees
    "The staff at Aesthetic Smiles is wonderful"
    They are helpful, thoughtful, attentive, and they listen to you!
    C Loescher
    "Wonderful and welcoming team"
    When I left, I felt like I was much more informed and prepared for my dental future.
    Lyndsay Gomez
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Professional Partnerships

  • Airway Health Solutions
    Airway Health Solutions
  • LVI
    LVI
  • VIVOS
    VIVOS
  • International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO)
    International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO)
  • Myoaligner
    Myoaligner