Occlusal adjustment is a procedure to align jaws effectively. Also known as bite adjustment, this treatment removes hindrances that keep your teeth from coming together properly. Such interferences may be the result of an accident, unnatural teeth development, or wear over time and hinder your jaw from closing. Other factors for occlusal interferences can be improper dental procedures like poorly executed fillings or extractions.
Patients requiring occlusal adjustment face difficulties in retracting their jaw into an anatomically correct position, causing their jaw and throat muscles to remain tense at all times leading to headaches and neck pain. Furthermore, this anomaly may also lead to bruxism, or teeth grinding, as the jaw tries to adjust to its natural position continuously. Over time, bruxism may result in teeth loss, gum recession, and even arthritis in the temporomandibular joints (TMD).
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent the condition from becoming severe. Dentistry at Consilium offers occlusal adjustment treatment in Scarborough to align your jaw properly and alleviate pain or discomfort.
Reach out to us to book an appointment for an occlusal adjustment and enjoy a uniform bite and vibrant smile.
Why Would You Need an Occlusal Adjustment?
Occlusal adjustments are necessary because people with unaligned jaws face problems biting down. This leads to pain and prevents you from eating normally.
There are aesthetic reasons as well for adjusting malocclusion. The condition can be frustrating because people may think their smile is ‘off’ and lose confidence.
We have already established that malocclusion occurs due to several reasons. From unnatural teeth development to poorly executed dental procedures like crowns or bridges, many reasons can cause problems with biting down. Malocclusion results in discomfort, tooth sensitivity, and in advanced cases – pain. Occlusal adjustments are necessary to alleviate all these concerns and enjoy a uniform bite.
Causes of Malocclusion
Malocclusion may occur due to:
Improperly fixed crowns
Poor bridgework
Uneven dental fillings
Areas with missing teeth or where an extraction has been performed
Unnatural teeth development
Gradual dental erosion
Indications for Occlusal Adjustment
If you are experiencing problems biting down or feel your smile is ‘off’, consult with Dentistry at Consilium for a comprehensive consultation of your oral condition.
During the initial examination, our occlusal adjustment specialists will examine your jaws closely to detect symptoms of an unaligned jaw. Symptoms like uneven opening on the jaw on both sides, a clicking noise as the jaw opens, eroded enamel in specific areas, and fractured teeth indicate the need for an occlusal adjustment.
Other chronic symptoms may include bruxism, headache, and neck pain for an off-bite.
What to Expect During an Occlusal Adjustment?
Occlusal adjustment is a meticulous procedure requiring intricate work and a high degree of skill. The process starts with evaluating your bite using X-rays, teeth impressions, and other diagnostic tools to locate the interference. Here are the different stages of your occlusal adjustment treatment at Dentistry at Consilium:
Step 1. Assessment
Our dentists conduct a thorough assessment of your bite using X-rays, teeth impressions, and bite analysis. This initial evaluation is critical to pinpoint the occlusal imbalance.
Step 2. Marking Bite Interference
Our dentists analyze areas where the patient’s teeth do not meet properly causing issues with biting and chewing. These imbalances are marked for the next step – adjustment.
Step 3. Targeted Adjustment
We then use precision tools and instruments to remove or reshape enamel from the marked areas to help you achieve a uniform bite. This intricate process is repeated until we attain the desired harmony.
Step 4. Follow-up
Post-procedure, our dentists will provide maintenance and care tips. You’ll also have to visit for follow-ups to ensure that the procedure has addressed your uneven bite issues. We’ll make further refinements if necessary.
Licensed Occlusal Adjustment for a Harmonious Bite
A balanced bite not only lets you enjoy your favorite foods but is also aesthetically pleasing.
Dentistry at Consilium can create a harmonious and even bite with occlusal adjustments. The treatment optimizes your bite efficiency and benefits your overall oral health. By consulting with our dentists at the earliest, you can eliminate your issues aggravating into tooth sensitivity, bruxism, or TMD.
From simple procedures like teeth whitening to advanced dentistry like occlusal adjustments – we strive to maximize the comfort and oral functionality of every patient. If you’re facing difficulties in biting down or incessant headaches, contact Dentistry at Consilium to learn more about occlusal adjustment and whether it’s the right course of treatment for you.