FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Speech changes are usually temporary. Most children adapt quickly and continue eating normally.
Many children benefit from an orthodontic screening in early grade school years, but screening doesn’t automatically mean treatment. The real question is timing: is there a reason to intervene now, or is it better to wait until more permanent teeth erupt and growth patterns are clearer?
Symptoms of TMD may include jaw pain or stiffness, headaches or migraines, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, facial pain, ear discomfort or fullness, difficulty chewing, and limited jaw movement. Some patients also experience neck, shoulder, or upper back pain.
We accept cash, check, or credit card. Some patients prefer to finance their dental work through CareCredit.
There are several different habits, postures, and functional activities that can affect a person’s bite, ultimately leading to the development of a myofunctional disorder. Some common examples of these behaviors include thumb/finger sucking, tongue thrust (related to speech and swallowing), a forward resting position of the tongue, and an open mouth posture with parted lips. Myofunctional disorders can impact both children and adults alike—children’s normal dental development can be negatively affected, while an adult may experience an over-eruption of certain teeth. Additionally, orthodontic concerns such as malocclusion (as well as certain cosmetic dental issues) are commonly associated with the postures and habits mentioned above. Some patients may even experience issues related to proper jaw growth. Orofacial myofunctional clinicians like Dr. Gorman have completed extensive training that enables them to accurately and successfully diagnose and treat a wide variety of myofunctional disorders. Myofunctional therapy is designed to eliminate specific undesirable dental habits/postures, and can encourage proper swallowing patterns in patients with tongue thrust. Essentially, the therapy trains the patient to correct any improper resting postures of the tongue and/or lips. Progress and improvement will be observed throughout the duration of therapy, as well as immediately afterwards. In many cases, myofunctional therapy has been shown to restore normal dental development/eruption. Additionally, the long-term outcomes of orthodontic treatment can be strengthened when myofunctional therapy is completed either following or in conjunction with initial treatment, helping patients establish and maintain a lifetime of improved dental health.
Consider it if you experienced:
  • Pressure to decide quickly
  • Vague explanations (“because we always do it this way”)
  • No discussion of alternatives or timing options
  • A plan that feels mismatched to your child’s age/stage
  • Recommendations that involve irreversible steps (like extractions) without a thorough explanation
TMJ disorder can result from several factors, including bite misalignment, jaw muscle imbalance, teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), joint degeneration, trauma, or chronic stress. In many cases, TMD develops from a combination of contributing factors, which is why a comprehensive evaluation is essential.
Typically, you can expect:
  • A clinical exam and bite evaluation
  • Review of records (if available)
  • A clear explanation of what’s happening now and what to watch for
  • Options for treatment timing and approach
  • A chance to ask questions without pressure
You can still get a second opinion. It’s better to confirm now than to regret later. Many offices can explain what steps to take next and help you understand your options moving forward.
Phase 1 (early/interceptive treatment) is used in specific situations—often to guide growth, create space, or address bite issues early. Not every child needs it. A second opinion helps you understand:
  • What problem Phase 1 is intended to solve
  • What happens if you wait
  • Whether Phase 1 reduces time/complexity later, or simply adds an extra phase