Do you suffer from any of these?

If you answered yes to one or more of these symptoms, it is very possible that you suffer from TMJ.  After taking your history and doing a physical examination of your teeth, head and neck, Dr. Gorman will determine whether your bite is a major contributing factor to your problems or pain.  He will then diagnose a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

• Dr. Gorman, also a neuromuscular dentist, will consider all of the information gathered, as well as conduct a series of tests using non-invasive electronic instruments.  Data from these tests will indicate whether your bite is a major contributing factor to your symptoms of TMJ.

• If these tests show that your habitual bite is a probably cause of your condition or pain, Dr. Gorman will identify a new, comfortable and stable jaw position determined by the relaxed state of the muscles.  This new jaw position and the corresponding bite is called neuromuscular occlusion. 

• An Orthosis is a custom made appliance fabricated of plastic that can be worn over the teeth to maintain the new jaw position.  At this point, nothing is done to permanently alter your teeth or your bite.  You typically wear the appliance for a prescribed period of time to verify that this new jaw position solves or reduces the problem.  If it does, it has proven that the imperfect bite was the cause of the pain or problems and you may elect to continue treatment and have your natural teeth treated to permanently maintain that new bite position. 

• It is important to note that postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint, muscles and/or teeth.