FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. TMJ oral appliances are custom-designed medical devices intended to improve jaw alignment and joint function. Standard night guards primarily protect teeth from grinding but do not correct bite issues or address joint dysfunction.
Yes. Stress commonly contributes to jaw clenching, muscle tension, and teeth grinding, all of which can aggravate TMJ symptoms. Effective treatment often includes addressing stress-related muscle activity alongside structural and functional issues.
Yes. TMJ disorder can interfere with sleep due to jaw discomfort, muscle tension, and clenching or grinding at night. Treating TMJ often leads to improved sleep quality and reduced nighttime symptoms.
Yes. TMJ dysfunction frequently contributes to chronic headaches and migraines. Muscle strain and joint irritation in the jaw can radiate pain to the temples and head, making TMJ a common but often overlooked cause of recurring headaches.
To restore teeth many factors must be considered. Including:
  • The strength needed to properly restore the tooth in order to withstand the forces of your bite.
  • How long the patient desires the treatment to last i.e. a short term fix vs. a long term solution.
  • The esthetics (how good does the patient want it to look).
We can apply all porcelain, porcelain over gold, or all gold that will protect the tooth and restore it to proper form and function. For large decayed or damaged surface areas, we can apply a protective covering, or onlay, adding strength and preventing decay. If you need fillings, we can use porcelain inlays to strengthen the tooth. And we can restore front teeth to natural shapes by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers. All of these procedures can change the look of your smile. At your next appointment, Dr. Gorman will be happy to explain any of them to you. While you’re there, you can also watch an interactive video or computer program that explains these techniques in a way that is easy to understand.
Sometimes, yes—but it depends on age, eruption stage, bite complexity, and compliance. A second opinion can tell you:
  • Whether aligners are realistic for your child’s situation
  • The pros/cons versus braces for that specific case
  • Whether a hybrid approach might be better
While jaw stretching, massaging, and various other TMJ home remedies may help temporarily alleviate TMJ pain for some people, the relief provided by these exercises is typically just that—temporary. Complete, lasting resolution of TMD can usually only be achieved via professional treatment that targets the underlying cause(s) of the condition.
While jaw stretching, massaging, and various other TMJ home remedies may help temporarily alleviate TMJ pain for some people, the relief provided by these exercises is typically just that—temporary. Complete, lasting resolution of TMD can usually only be achieved via professional treatment that targets the underlying cause(s) of the condition.
The basic fact is, the insurance companies, as we all know, want to take care of you at the lowest cost possible, not really the best service or option available for you & we feel that your insurance should never dictate the quality or timing of your treatment. From a ton of research, and constant surveying of dentists, most dental insurances have a maximum benefit of anywhere from $800 to $2,300 dollars. This can obviously, usually cover some of your expenses. However, most of the cosmetic dentistry is considered not mandatory, and therefore not covered by insurance. If you have extensive or long term dental care, our office offers financial assistance through CareCredit.
Not at all. It means you’re doing due diligence for your child. Most orthodontic providers understand that parents want to feel certain before starting a multi-year treatment that affects growth, comfort, finances, and long-term dental health.