Our team may recommend occlusal adjustment to help correct a bad bite. Bad bites may be caused by any number of factors, from periodontal disease and missing teeth to the position of the jaw. If uncorrected, a bad bite can impact your oral health and your quality of life. Call A+ Dental & Implant Center to schedule a consultation with our dentists and learn more about the benefits of occlusal adjustment in Escondido and San Diego, California.
Achieving a Balanced, Comfortable Bite
Relieve Discomfort and Improve Your Bite with Occlusal Adjustment
If you experience frequent jaw pain, chronic headaches or tooth sensitivity, the cause may be related to your bite. Your bite, or occlusion, refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. When your bite is misaligned, it can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms and cause long-term damage to your teeth, jaw and surrounding structures. At our dental practice, we offer occlusal adjustment to restore proper bite alignment and improve your oral health and comfort.
What Is an Occlusal Adjustment?
An occlusal adjustment is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the surfaces of your teeth to correct bite discrepancies. The goal is to eliminate high spots or interferences that prevent your teeth from meeting evenly. Even a slight imbalance in your bite can create excessive pressure on certain teeth, leading to wear, chipping, fractures or jaw strain.
The procedure is typically performed by gently polishing small areas of enamel on select teeth. Since enamel does not contain nerves, this process is generally painless and does not require anesthesia. In more complex cases, occlusal adjustments may be combined with orthodontic treatment, restorative dentistry or the use of oral appliances for optimal results.
Signs You May Need a Bite Adjustment
A misaligned bite can affect your overall comfort, function and dental health. Common signs that you may benefit from an occlusal adjustment include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, chipped or worn teeth, tooth sensitivity and the sensation that your bite feels uneven or “off.” Headaches, facial tension and even neck pain can also be linked to occlusal problems.
Bite misalignment can result from a variety of factors, including missing teeth, shifting teeth, dental restorations that are too high, or changes in tooth position due to grinding or clenching. In some cases, trauma to the jaw or natural development of the bite may also contribute.
Benefits of Occlusal Adjustment
By correcting the way your teeth come together, occlusal adjustment can help relieve discomfort, reduce the risk of future dental damage and improve your overall bite function. This treatment can enhance the longevity of restorations, protect your enamel and support healthier jaw movement. For patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, occlusal adjustment may also alleviate tension and improve range of motion.
Personalized Care for Long-Term Relief
Our dental team takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating bite-related issues. We will perform a detailed examination of your bite, jaw movement and tooth structure to determine if occlusal adjustment is the right treatment for you. Using advanced diagnostic tools and a careful, conservative approach, we can restore your bite to a more comfortable and stable position.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
If you have been living with persistent jaw pain, headaches or a bite that feels unbalanced, do not wait to seek help. Contact our office today at 760-566-7434 to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to help you achieve a more comfortable, functional and lasting smile through expert occlusal adjustment and personalized care.
