Tiffany’s Story

Before 

“She got it!” Tiffany described her first encounter with Dr. Amy Norman. “She understood right away!” Dr. Norman explained to Tiffany about her non-surgical approach to treating TMJ. This approach begins with understanding the structural issues in the tempromandibular joint that cause a wide range of often-severe pain such as Tiffany’s headaches.

 “I was impressed right away by how much Dr. Norman knew about my situation”, Tiffany said. “After months of doctors not having any ideas of how to help me, having someone look at me and ask some insightful questions based on the shape of my mouth, my teeth and the muscle tension in my face was amazing. It suggested that she really knew her field and even more important to me, that she’d be able to help me. So, I went home and did a lot of research. I read a lot, called and emailed other dentists and met with Dr. Norman with a list of questions. So, when I made the decision to start treatment with her, I was confident that this was a good direction.”

For Tiffany, the prospect of successful treatment that didn’t involve drugs was a major benefit. Her non-surgical treatment plan included correcting the placement of her jaw to eliminate the structural source of the pain. Drugs only masked the pain. Tiffany did not want that lifestyle and appreciated that Dr. Norman understood. “I really appreciated her knowledge of my condition and how she listened. She was concerned for all aspects of my entire life.” So, the solutions discussed included all of Tiffany’s goals including being free of medications.

During

“She got it!” Tiffany described her first encounter with Dr. Amy Norman. “She understood right away!” Dr. Norman explained to Tiffany about her physiologic approach to treating TMJ. The physiologic approach begins with understanding the structural issues in the tempromandibular joint that cause a wide range of often-severe pain such as Tiffany’s headaches.

“I was impressed right away by how much Dr. Norman knew about my situation”, Tiffany said. “After months of doctors not having any ideas of how to help me, having someone look at me and ask some insightful questions based on the shape of my mouth, my teeth and the muscle tension in my face was amazing. It suggested that she really knew her field and even more important to me, that she’d be able to help me. So I went home and did a lot of research. I read a lot, called and emailed other physiologic dentists and met with Dr. Norman with a list of questions. So when I made the decision to start treatment with her, I was confident that this was a good direction.”

For Tiffany, the prospect of successful treatment that didn’t involve drugs was a major benefit. Her physiologic treatment plan included correcting the placement of her jaw to eliminate the structural source of the pain. Drugs only masked the pain. Tiffany did not want that lifestyle and appreciated that Dr. Norman understood. “I really appreciated her knowledge of my condition and how she listened. She was concerned for all aspects of my entire life.” So, the solutions discussed included all of Tiffany’s goals including being free of medications.

After

In December of 2013, Tiffany and her husband took their family to a performance of The Nutcracker, only this time Tiffany was pain-free and thoroughly enjoyed the time. “I realized, wow, I couldn’t do this last year. What a difference!”

Although her treatment is not completed yet, Tiffany has made tremendous progress and feels like she is on the right path. “I’m not done with my treatment, but I definitely am on a good path,” she said. “My daily levels of pain have decreased by about half. My migraines are less frequent, less painful and easier to manage. Not only has Dr. Norman helped me, but she’s pointed me to other therapies, particularly physical therapy, that have made me stronger and healthier.”

Tiffany now sees an end to days when her family is limited by her chronic pain. The days of cancelling activities and trips are over. “I whole-heartedly recommend Dr. Norman and her staff for complicated dental problems“, Tiffany said. “They’re smart, they’re honest, they’re helpful and they’ll make sure you are well taken care of.”