Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment in Fort Worth, TX
Correct Your Bite for Better Oral Health
Bite Correction | TMJ Treatment | Teeth Alignment
What Is An Occlusal Adjustment?
An occlusal adjustment corrects the alignment of the bite. It involves carefully removing small amounts of tooth enamel to level the biting surface and improve the way your teeth come together. This dental procedure is also known as "bite adjustment" or "equilibration."
When upper and lower teeth come together, thousands of pounds per square inch of pressure are generated. This force needs to be evenly distributed over all of the teeth to function properly for chewing and to prevent damage. When the bite is not properly aligned, some teeth experience more force than others. This can lead to excessive tooth wear, fractures, loosening of teeth, and pain in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ).
What Problems Can Occlusal Misalignment Cause?
When teeth don't meet properly during biting and chewing, various problems can develop:
- •Excessive wear on tooth enamel, making teeth shorter and more sensitive
- •Cracked or fractured teeth
- •Loose teeth due to excessive force
- •Receding gums and bone loss
- •TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and dysfunction
- •Headaches, particularly in the morning
- •Muscle tension in the jaw, face, and neck
- •Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- •Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
How Do I Know If I Have These Misalignments?
Your Fort Worth dentist can determine if you have occlusal misalignment through a comprehensive examination. During the exam, we evaluate how your teeth come together and look for signs of uneven wear, damage, or stress on specific teeth.
We may use special marking paper to identify high spots where teeth are making premature contact. You might also notice symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or sensitivity in certain teeth. Some patients experience clicking or popping sounds when opening their mouth, or difficulty chewing certain foods.
If you've recently had dental work done (such as crowns, bridges, or fillings), you're at higher risk for developing bite problems if the restoration is slightly too high. Even a small discrepancy can cause discomfort and lead to larger problems over time.
How Can This Misalignment Be Adjusted?
The occlusal adjustment procedure is relatively simple and painless. Using special marking paper, your dentist identifies the areas where your teeth are making premature or excessive contact. These high spots are then carefully and precisely reshaped using a dental handpiece and fine finishing burs.
Only small amounts of tooth enamel are removed – typically just a few thousandths of an inch. The goal is to create even contact across all teeth when you bite down. The procedure is conservative and designed to improve the harmony of your bite while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Most patients experience immediate relief after the adjustment. In some cases, multiple appointments may be needed to fine-tune the bite, especially if the misalignment is complex or long-standing. The procedure is usually comfortable and doesn't require anesthesia, though some patients prefer local anesthesia if they have sensitive teeth.
Benefits of Occlusal Adjustment
- ✓Relieves jaw pain and TMJ symptoms
- ✓Eliminates headaches caused by bite problems
- ✓Prevents excessive and uneven tooth wear
- ✓Improves chewing efficiency
- ✓Reduces stress on jaw joints and muscles
- ✓Protects existing dental work and restorations
- ✓Prevents future tooth fractures
Why Choose Fort Worth Dental for Occlusal Adjustment?
At Fort Worth Dental, we serve patients throughout Fort Worth, Aledo, Benbrook, and surrounding areas. Our experienced team uses precise techniques to ensure your bite is properly balanced.
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