Question: What should I expect during my first visit?
Answer: Your first visit to our office establishes a vital foundation for our relationship with you. During the first visit, we make sure to obtain important background information, like your medical history, and give you time to get to know your doctor. We recommend you pull together any notes about your medical history, particularly the details associated with your facial pain or sleep disorder. In advance of your appointment we will mail you a New Patient Packet (or you can download one here.) Please be sure to complete the New Patient Form and bring it with you to your appointment. You can educate yourself about your symptoms by reviewing the patient education information included on this website.

Question: What actually happens?
Answer: For our TMJ patients, We will do a clinical examination of our own, take an xray of the jaw joints and a panoramic xray. Lastly we will measure any noise in the joint with Joint Vibration Analysis and take posture photos. We will let you know the nature of your problem. (Pain in the face, jaws, headaches could be related to tumors, circulatory disorders, and other disorders of the nervous system) . Some of these pain issues can be referred from other places in the body such as the cervical spine and teeth.We rule out all the above and determine if you have a jaw joint or muscular disorder which can be treated here.

For our Sleep patients, we use sound waves to determine if you have an obstructed airway and if repositioning your lower jaw and/or tongue can have a positive effect on improving the airway. This is merely a screening appointment to see if you are a candidate for an oral appliance in treating your snoring or sleep apnea. If not we can also give you direction to get the care you need and deserve.

Question: Are your services covered by insurance?
Answer: We are not a medical practice therefore not able to be a participating provider. We do have patients use their medical insurance as many patients are eligible to have out of network benefits. Our insurance experts are able to help with any of your concerns. Some TMJ may be covered under your dental insurance. We are a participating provider with Delta Dental. Orthodontic patients may be covered under your dental insurance.

Our staff will assist you in maximizing your benefits. Interest free financing is provided or individual arrangements can be made. Our primary concern is getting you into treatment as soon as possible to alleviate you pain. Please click here for more information about insurance.

Question: How long will I be in treatment?
Answer: TMJ patients active treatment is about 3 months. However this can vary depending on the severity of your condition. More information will be given at your first exam appointment. A mild case may take 2 months perhaps with only one appliance and no physical therapy whereas a more advanced case may take 4-5 months with 2 appliances and physical therapy. All treatment plans are customized based on need.

Sleep patients treatment can range from 2-3 months depending if a sleep study has been performed or not. Sleep patients need an attended sleep study and a medical diagnosis by a physician prior to treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is 2.5 years on average. Less complicated cases can take 1 year or less.

Question: What is the treatment for TMJ?
Answer: Treatment can range from physical therapy, medication, appliance therapy, exercises, rest, preventive measures. Some patients gain an increased benefit from physical therapists, sacro-occipital therapists, osteopathic physicians and orthopedic specialists helping with other postural issues.

Question: What age is good to be evaluated for braces?
Answer: The age of 5 is a good place to start. Crowding, if addressed early we can take advantage of the growth spurt of the face and jaws between the ages of 5 And 12. However, we have had success in all age groups.