Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Occlusal Adjustment

Occlusion is a common dental term that defines how the teeth in your upper and lower jaw come together, or the alignment of your bite. As you close your mouth, the entire arch of both your bottom and top teeth should make complete contact with all teeth at the same time. When some teeth make contact before others do, this is known as malocclusion. If this is left uncorrected, the malocclusion can result in extra pressure being placed on some of your teeth, which then leads to other oral health issues. If you have a malocclusion, you could be a candidate for an occlusal adjustment. This occlusal or bite adjustment is a treatment or several procedures that are performed to realign your bite. This minor correction will lessen the strain on your jawbone and your jaw joints and relieve excessive pressure.

Beginning with your first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment for an occlusal adjustment exam.

Are You a Candidate for an Occlusal or Bite Adjustment?

To determine if you are a candidate for an occlusal adjustment, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will exam to see if you have any of the following symptoms:

Prematurity

When several opposing teeth make contact before your jaw is shut completely.

Interference

The desired contact between your teeth is altered or inhibited.

Disharmony

Your opposing teeth are not properly aligned.

Trauma

An unscheduled trauma could result in the opposing teeth being off-axis, which will then result in damage to the tissue.

During an occlusal analysis, we will check for these initial symptoms to decide what treatment might be beneficial. Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will confirm any malocclusion with this exam. The imperfect bite will lead to other oral issues if left untreated.

Possible Side Effects
from Malocclusion

You may not be aware that a dental issue is the actual result of malocclusion. Some of these disorders or symptoms could be:

  • Tooth or jawbone pain.
  • Bone or gum recession.
  • Tooth sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures.
  • Nerve or muscle damage.
  • Teeth grinding, or bruxism.
  • TMJ temporomandibular joint issues.
  • Chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth.
  • Damage to dental restorations.
  • Missing teeth.

These disorders or symptoms can all cause serious side effects that will lead to extreme discomfort, including:

  • Major headaches or migraines from bite pressure issues.
  • Aesthetic issues affect your smile and reduce your self-confidence.
  • Muscle or joint spasms in your face, your jaw or neck.

If an occlusal analysis at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. reveals issues with your bite, we might recommend an occlusal adjustment. There are different treatments for correcting malocclusion, and we will choose the method best suited for your specific situation.

Occlusal and Bite Adjustment Procedures

Which treatment solution is best for you depends on the source of your problem. To determine which treatment is best for you, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will make an impression of your bite to identify the source of your problem. Often malocclusions can be corrected by just removing microscopic layers from certain teeth, which will allow all your teeth to meet at the desired same time. As we remove this enamel, we continue to assess your bite until we are completely satisfied that your occlusion has been corrected. This is a simple and pain-free procedure that usually does not require any anesthesia.

Another common method for occlusal adjustment is to repair any broken, cracked, or chipped teeth. Sometimes simply replacing old dental fillings will help correct your bite. We may also add dental crowns if certain teeth need more depth, and dental fillings can help reshape teeth that are chipped.

Another treatment used frequently to realign teeth is an orthodontic device. If Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. identifies that you have a severe case of misalignment, you may need extended treatment with an orthodontic appliance, such as braces or Invisalign. If small movements are needed, we may have an alternative treatment option available to correct the occlusion in a shorter period.

Bite Guards and Other Possible Occlusal or Bite Adjustments

In addition to these adjustments with your team at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc., we may recommend the use of a mouth guard or bite guard. These simple devices help prevent grinding your teeth, or bruxism, and will stop you from clenching your jaw and increasing tension in that joint. Bite guards are often recommended if you are suffering from TMJ issues. A bite guard will certainly eliminate the headaches in the morning. We may even recommend you wear the bite guard during the day to train your jaw to stay in a relaxed position.

A bite guard is custom-made specifically for you to provide a personally tailored treatment. This treatment is recommended for all ages. We take either digital 3D images or traditional wax impressions to make sure your guard is created perfectly to fit your bite. We then custom-fabricate it in the lab and fit it for maximum comfort.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Request an Appointment with Us

Name