Occlusal or Bite Adjustment

Occlusal or Bite Adjustment

Occlusal or Bite Adjustment Columbus, OH

Occlusion is a term that means how the teeth in your upper and lower jaw fit together, or your bite. When you close your mouth, each arch, both bottom and top teeth, should make contact at the same time. When some of your teeth make contact before the others, this is known as a malocclusion. If left uncorrected, malocclusion can result in extra pressure being placed on some teeth, which will result in more oral health issues over time. If you have a malocclusion, you may be a good candidate for an occlusal or bite adjustment, a procedure that is designed to realign your bite, which will lessen the strain on the bone and jaw joints and relieve your teeth of excess pressure. Occlusal or bite adjustment is usually performed in addition to prosthodontic reconstruction or as a treatment method for TMJ syndrome.

At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of an occlusal or bite adjustment treatment for you.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call our office conveniently located in Columbus, OH at (614) 864-2561 or request an appointment online.

Are You a Candidate for Occlusal or Bite Adjustment?

When you close your mouth, the top teeth and bottom teeth should all come together at the same time. A malocclusion is considered an “imperfect” bite that can cause serious issues over time if left uncorrected, due to the extra pressure on the teeth that meet first.

You may be unaware that one or more of your dental issues are a result of malocclusion. Some of these disorders or symptoms include:

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

The Procedure for Occlusal Analysis

During an occlusal analysis, East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry will check for the following symptoms which might require a periodontic treatment:

  • Disharmony: The failure of opposing tooth surfaces to align properly.
  • Prematurity: The contact of opposing teeth occurring before your jaw is completely shut.
  • Interference: Contact inhibiting or altering the desirable contact between your teeth.
  • Trauma: In some cases, the contact of the opposing teeth can be off axis enough to cause tissue damage.

These issues can cause serious side-effects that can lead to extreme discomfort which include:

  • Major headaches or migraines from bite pressure issues.
  • Spasms in your muscles or joints of your face, jaw, or neck.
  • Cosmetic and aesthetic issues that affect your smile and damage your self-confidence.

The Occlusal and Bite Adjustment Procedure

In most cases, your bite can be readjusted simply by carefully removing excess tooth structure to allow your teeth to contact evenly. This procedure is simple and does not require anesthesia, we will only be removing microscopic layers from certain teeth, staying far away from any nerve endings, and will frequently check to see if your teeth come together correctly after being reshaped throughout the process.

Bite Guards and Other Occlusal Treatments

In addition to our in-office occlusal adjustment, we may recommend the use of a bite guard, mouth guard or similar device. These devices can help prevent teeth grinding, or bruxism, and other damaging habits, and can stop you from clenching your jaw and increasing tension in the joint. Mouth guards are also used to protect the teeth during high-impact activities.

A bite guard is specifically made to fit your smile to ensure a perfectly tailored treatment. This treatment option is recommended for patients of all ages. Our professionally made dental bite guards are created at our lab from the impressions taken in our office. We can take digital 3D images or traditional impressions to ensure the guard is created exactly to fit your bite, customize it in the lab and then fit it perfectly for your maximum comfort.

Bite guards are highly recommended if you suffer from TMJ issues. A bite guard can help keep you from grinding your teeth at night, which can help prevent headaches in the morning. In some extreme cases, East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry may recommend you wear the bite guard during the daytime when not eating or drinking, to help train your jaw to stay in a relaxed position.

Another way to adjust your bite is to repair broken, cracked, or chipped teeth. Sometimes old fillings need to be replaced if they are affecting the harmony of your bite. Dental crowns can be used to add depth to a tooth, and dental fillings can be used to reshape chipped teeth.

Orthodontic correction may be recommended to realign or reposition your teeth, so they meet properly. If small movements are desired, the treatment may be accomplished in a matter of months with the latest in tooth alignment techniques. Talk to East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry about if orthodontic measures should be taken to realign your teeth for a better bite.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

The Cost of Your Occlusal or Bite Adjustment Treatment

The cost of your treatment for your occlusal or bite adjustment will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.

Affordable Payment Plans

Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork. We will work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.

A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care

The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.

Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.

Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.