Occlusal Adjustment
Do you wake in the morning with sore jaws?
When you bite, do you
feel like your jaw is lopsided? If so, then you may need an occlusal
adjustment.
An occlusal adjustment corrects the alignment of the
bite, that is a result of loose, shifting, crowded, or missing teeth. The
result is an evenly distributed bite that eliminates irregular pressure on one
side of the mouth. Once your bite is adjusted, your teeth will meet
properly. Occlusal adjustment causes minimal pain, and only a little
discomfort. The adjustment is made by using a dental drill using a fine filing
stone. In addition to the actual adjustment, removal mouthpieces are also
utilized, to protect the tooth surface, and relax the jaw muscles once the
adjustment is completed.
Who is a good candidate for an
occlusal adjustment? Patients with loose or shifting teeth will many
times not meet correctly. Patients, who grind or clench their teeth, will have
an uneven bite and pressure distribution in the mouth, which is also corrected
through an occlusal adjustment. Sometimes tooth sensitivity can be corrected
through an occlusal adjustment as the treatment reduces pressure on the
sensitive tooth.
New technology allows dentists to accurately
identify the areas, which need adjustments. The dentist utilizes a computer
scan of the mouth, which records hundreds of bite registrations per minute,
and notes even the slightest irregularity. That data allows the dentist to
make only the adjustments that are absolutely necessary, which ensures a well
aligned bite and minimal tooth wear.
If you suspect that you may
need an occlusal adjustment, schedule an appointment.