FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Prognosis for TMD is good, as most individuals respond well to treatment. Success rates of treatment are significantly enhanced when a comprehensive approach that addresses occlusion, muscle/joint balance, and stress management is employed.
Prognosis for TMD is good, as most individuals respond well to treatment. Success rates of treatment are significantly enhanced when a comprehensive approach that addresses occlusion, muscle/joint balance, and stress management is employed.
Differences often include:
  • Timing (start now vs. wait)
  • Treatment type (braces vs. aligners; one-phase vs. two-phase)
  • Whether teeth need to be removed (extractions) or alternatives exist
  • Use of expanders or growth appliances
  • Estimated treatment length
  • How much “cosmetic” vs. “functional” correction is being planned
  • Long-term stability and retention strategy
It can help guide the conversation. Bite and jaw symptoms can have multiple causes. A second opinion can clarify whether orthodontic treatment is likely to help, whether the symptoms should be evaluated separately, and what a responsible sequence of care looks like.
At Gorman Health and Wellness, we believe in providing nothing short of the highest quality of dental care for each of our patients. This commitment is our promise, and we strive for excellence in all that we do. Moreover, Dr. Gorman goes above and beyond by treating the cause of his patients’ dental concerns—not just the symptoms. Providing our patients with the most advanced dental care available today is always our primary concern. Each year, our team completes hundreds of hours in continuing education programs, helping us stay abreast of the latest innovations in dental treatments and technology. We only work with master lab technicians who use top-quality materials, resulting in unparallelled results we would be proud to provide to members of our own families.
If you have them, bring:
  • Any orthodontic treatment plan summary and cost estimate
  • X-rays/3D scans/photos (or ask the other office to send records)
  • Notes about your child’s concerns (crowding, bite, speech, habits, discomfort)
  • A list of questions you want answered clearly
Clarity. Parents leave understanding:
  • What’s urgent vs. what can wait
  • What’s optional vs. necessary
  • Which approach fits their child best
  And they feel confident moving forward—whether that’s starting treatment now or waiting.
It’s particularly worth doing if:
  • You were told your child needs extractions
  • The plan feels aggressive, or you feel rushed
  • You were given multiple appliances, and you’re not sure why
  • The quote is high, and you want to understand what’s truly necessary
  • You received conflicting guidance from different providers already
  • Your child has airway/sleep concerns, mouth breathing, or frequent congestion
  • You’re unsure whether the issue is cosmetic, functional, or both
If you experience persistent jaw pain, headaches, clicking or locking of the jaw, or facial discomfort that does not improve, it’s important to seek professional evaluation. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Similar to the way changing how you walk to accomodate a sore ankle can eventually cause aching in the hips or lower back, continual malfunction of the temporomandibular joint can lead to discomfort elsewhere in the body since the muscles in various other areas must adapt accordingly and act irregularly. Areas outside of the head and jaw that are most commonly affected by TMD include the shoulders, neck, and back.