How do we know if the recommended plan is “too much” or “too soon”?

Parents often feel this intuitively. A plan may be too aggressive if:

There’s no clear explanation of “why now.”
The goals sound mostly cosmetic, but the approach is complex
The plan includes multiple appliances without a clear sequence
You’re told “this is the only way” without discussing alternatives
A second opinion helps separate what’s essential from what’s optional.

How does myofunctional therapy differ from dental or orthodontic treatment?

Dental evaluations and treatments focus primarily on providing health and stability of teeth in occlusion, or contact. By contrast, myofunctional therapy is concerned with orofacial functional patterns and postures when teeth are apart, which they are for over 95% of each day and night.

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the jaw, bite, facial muscles, and joint function. Dr. Gorman may also assess posture, airway function, and contributing lifestyle factors to determine the underlying causes and create a customized treatment plan.

How long does it take to achieve a gorgeous smile?

Treatment time will depend upon the procedures you want. For instance, Zoom! Whitening takes about an hour in our office. Placing veneers normally requires two appointments. Complex restorative work may be done in phases, over weeks or months. We will let you know the time frame, financial information, and clinical procedure associated with your treatment plan so that you can make a truly informed decision about your dental care.

How long does TMJ last? Will it resolve on its own?

If left untreated, TMJ disorder may persist forever, never resolving on its own. In fact, it might actually worsen over time, causing symptoms to progressively increase in severity. Like most health-related conditions, being evaluated by and receiving treatment from a qualified professional like Dr. Gorman is the best way to resolve TMD.

How long does TMJ last? Will it resolve on its own?

If left untreated, TMJ disorder may persist forever, never resolving on its own. In fact, it might actually worsen over time, causing symptoms to progressively increase in severity. Like most health-related conditions, being evaluated by and receiving treatment from a qualified professional like Dr. Gorman is the best way to resolve TMD.

How many opinions should we get?

In most cases, one strong second opinion is enough. If recommendations are still wildly different—especially around extractions, expanders, or timing—getting a third perspective can be helpful.

How often will I need to wear my TMJ oral appliance?

While the exact answer to this question will depend on your unique treatment plan, Dr. Gorman generally recommends patients wear their TMJ oral appliance every night as they sleep. The pressure applied by the appliance works to gradually move the teeth and/or jaw(s) into proper position. Once optimal occlusion is achieved, the device helps maintain ideal positioning.

How often will I need to wear my TMJ oral appliance?

While the exact answer to this question will depend on your unique treatment plan, Dr. Gorman generally recommends patients wear their TMJ oral appliance every night as they sleep. The pressure applied by the appliance works to gradually move the teeth and/or jaw(s) into proper position. Once optimal occlusion is achieved, the device helps maintain ideal positioning.

I have seen crowns that look fake. Can you make my crowns look natural?

We work with most talented, experienced ceramists for all restorations and prosthetics. Our dental labs use materials that reflect light naturally, wear like natural enamel, and feel like natural dentition. When sub-par materials are used to craft dental work, the result is a white, fake-looking restoration. Rest assured, Dr. Gorman believes that a successful smile looks and feels natural and functions at peak performance.