Patrick Grossmann is a Specialist Orthodontist (on the GDC's Specialist Register) with a special interest in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. (There is no specialist register in this area.) Patrick Grossmann seeks at all times to comply with the guidelines, rules and regulations of the General Dental Council which is the profession's governing body. Patrick Grossmann also gives great consideration to all the recommendations of the British Orthodontic Society of which he is a member.

The information on this website or contained in any publication or page set up by Dr Grossmann is distributed with the understanding that the author, the author's college or employer , publisher, and site host are not rendering legal, practical or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters and accordingly assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. While all care is taken, no guarantee is given that information in this web site is accurate or current.

Orthodontics

All forms of medical and dental treatment, including orthodontics, have some risks and limitations. Fortunately the complications associated with orthodontic treatment are infrequent and when they do occur they are usually of minor consequence; nevertheless they should be considered.

The possible risks include:
Tooth decay, gum disease and permanent markings (decalcification) on the teeth can occur if orthodontic patients eat foods containing excessive sugar and/or do not brush their teeth frequently and properly.These same problems can occur without orthodontic treatment but the risk is greater when wearing braces. In some patients the length of the roots of the teeth may be shortened as a result of orthodontic treatment; some patients are prone to this happening, some are not. This does not usually have significant consequences, but on occasion it may become a threat to the longevity of the teeth involved. The health of the bone and gums, which support the teeth, may be affected by orthodontic tooth movement if you have a condition which predisposes you to this. In some rare cases this can occur even where that condition has not been identified. In general however, orthodontic treatment lessens the likelihood of tooth loss or gum infection because these problems can be caused by misalignment of the teeth or jaws. Nevertheless, inflammation of the gums and loss of the supporting bone can occur if bacterial plaque is not removed daily with good oral hygiene.

TMJ Treatments, Advice & Diagnosis

The treatment methods offered by Dr Grossmann are directed at correcting the underlying TMJ pathology, unlike the majority of other treatments available elsewhere which may include reassurance/ counselling, resting the jaw, soft diet, using a night-guard, physiotherapy and medication such as analgesics, muscle relaxants.

You are however, encouraged to consider any or all of these less invasive alternatives for treatment. There are also other recommendations available, some offering no treatment and others involving surgery. It has to be stated that there is a wide range of evidence concerning TMD and so there is a wide range of opinion regarding the alternative treatment modalities.

If you wish to investigate these options, your G.P. can refer you to an appropriate colleague. It is not possible to predict with absolute certainty whether or to what degree, your condition, if diagnosed as TMD, will improve with the type of treatment that Dr Grossmann recommends. A joint in the body that has been damaged may not fully recover in spite of treatment, and no absolute guarantee can be given for a successful outcome.

Dr Grossmann's treatment methodology is not mainstream in that it is not taught in UK dental schools and from the point of view of the General Dental Council is not considered to be 'evidence- based'. However, we have an ongoing audit within the practice of patient treatment progress. . This audit has shown over the years that the majority of my patients report substantial improvement with the treatment technique recommended.