A dental bite adjustment (known clinically as an occlusal adjustment or occlusal equilibration) involves smoothing small areas of your teeth to improve the bite of your upper and lower teeth. When your teeth are not meeting correctly you have a malocclusion. This means that even if there is a very slight misalignment your jaw muscles and joints have to work extra hard.
An occlusal equilibration can be carried out by dentists to ensure that there is no uneven pressure in your arch. Your dentist will smooth these areas so that the pressure is evenly distributed across all your teeth. This makes it easier on your enamel, reduces muscular tension and prevents damage to your joints.
What Is Malocclusion and How Does It Affect Your Bite?
When closing your jaw your teeth should meet evenly. However if 1 or 2 of your teeth are hitting first this will cause extreme pressure to be on certain points. These are called premature contacts.
- Uneven Pressure – One area of high contact will cause one tooth to take all the heavy pressure of chewing.
- Muscle Tension – Your jaw muscles will constantly be working to compensate for the incorrect bite.
- Joint Displacement – The incorrect contact points will cause your temporomandibular joints to move out of their natural position causing extreme pain.
- Enamel Damage – Constant pressure will cause cracks in the enamel.
What Are the Common Signs You May Need a Bite Adjustment?
Many people suffer with an uneven bite but do not know why they are suffering with facial pain. Knowing the signs can help you get the correct treatment.
- Jaw Joint Pain – Constant dull aching around the ears or inside the jaw joints.
- Headaches – Waking with tension headaches can often be a sign you are suffering with extreme teeth grinding during the night.
- Tooth Sensitivity – Teeth can become extremely sensitive to hot and cold.
- Joint Noise – Clicking, popping or grinding noises from your jaw joint whilst chewing.
- Tooth Wear – Flattened chewing surfaces, chipped enamel and small notches near the gum line (ab-fraction lesions).
What Are the Common Reasons for an Incorrect Bite?
There are many reasons why your teeth will change over time. Your dentist will look for the following reasons.
- New Dental Work – Having a new crown, large filling or bridge can cause an incorrect bite as they will be slightly too high.
- Bruxism – Constant grinding will wear down the important cusp of your teeth causing your jaw to be in an unnatural position.
- Missing Teeth – Removing a tooth will leave a gap. This will cause surrounding teeth to lean.
- Development – Naturally your jaw will grow causing your upper and lower arches to not match.
- Gum Disease – Advanced gum disease will cause the bones to deteriorate causing teeth to become loose.
What Are the Benefits of a Bite Adjustment?
Getting your bite corrected can provide many benefits. Your dentist will emphasize the importance of this treatment to keep your natural teeth safe.
- Pain Relief – Removing the high spots will provide immediate relief from constant facial tension, jaw tension and tension headaches.
- Protects Enamel – Even pressure whilst chewing will prevent cracking, cusp fracturing and enamel wear.
- Protects Jaw Joints – The contact points will be corrected meaning your temporomandibular joints can settle in their natural position.
- Longer Lasting Restorations – Even pressure whilst chewing will mean your crowns, bridges and implants last longer.
How Is a Dental Bite Adjustment Procedure Performed?
This procedure can be done in the dental chair by your dentist. It is a quick and non-invasive procedure.
- Step 1 – Identify High Spots – Thin articulating paper will be placed between your teeth. You will bite, tap and slide your jaw.
- Step 2 – Identify Contact Points – The high spots will show as thick black ink on the affected teeth.
- Step 3 – Smooth High Spots – Tiny layers of enamel will be removed using a fine diamond bur.
- Step 4 – Check Bite – New articulating paper will be used to check your bite. All teeth should make even contact.
- Step 5 – Polish – The new areas will be polished to give a smooth comfortable feel.
What Aftercare Is Needed Following a Bite Adjustment?
There is little aftercare for this treatment. Most people will experience instant relief.
- No Time Off – You can go straight back to work/school.
- Sensitivity – Some people may experience a slight sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days.
- Soft Food – Dentists will advise to eat soft food for 24 hours to allow your jaw muscles to get used to their new position.
- Night-guards – If you suffer with teeth grinding at night, wearing a night guard will protect your new bite from heavy pressure.
- Follow Up – Your dentist may want to see you for a short follow up to check your jaw is comfortable.
What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Adjustment?
Is a Bite Adjustment Painful?
No a bite adjustment is not painful. Only tiny amounts of enamel on the outside of your teeth will be removed. As there are no nerve endings in the enamel you will not need any numbing injections.
How Long Does a Bite Adjustment Take?
A normal bite adjustment will take between 15-30 minutes. If your dentist needs to adjust more than one tooth or complex restorations this can take up to 45 minutes.
Can an Uneven Bite Sort Itself?
No an uneven bite will not sort itself. The high spots will cause pressure to be on certain teeth causing increased jaw pain, enamel cracking and severe damage to the joints.
Will My Teeth Become Weaker?
No tiny amounts of enamel will not weaken your teeth. Only tiny high spots will be removed by a skilled dentist. Your enamel will remain strong.
A bite adjustment is a simple, pain free treatment that can help relieve jaw pain, protect your enamel and ensure even pressure whilst chewing. Removing the high spots will put your teeth into the correct position and allow your jaw joints to settle. If you are suffering with tension headaches in the mornings, clicking jaw joints and sensitivity then contact your dental specialist for a full occlusal check up.