Occlusal Bite Adjustment in Wayne, NJ

If you’re experiencing discomfort or noticing changes in your bite, an occlusal bite adjustment could be just what you need! This beneficial dental procedure helps evenly distribute biting forces, ensuring that every tooth works in harmony. Enjoy a more comfortable and balanced bite with our expert care!

Signs You Might Need an Occlusal Adjustment

The misalignment of teeth and jaws, known as malocclusion, can be a result of various factors, such as genetics, lifestyle habits, dental procedures, and other environmental influences.

If you experience any of the following signs, you may benefit from an occlusal adjustment:

Tooth movement: Teeth that are shifting out of their normal position.
Changes in your bite: Any noticeable alterations when you bite down.
Grinding or clenching (bruxism): Often a nighttime habit, this can lead to excessive wear on your teeth.
Jaw tightness: Feeling tightness or discomfort in the jaw muscles.
Headaches: Particularly if they occur near the eyes or jaw.
Tooth sensitivity: A heightened response to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli can also suggest occlusal issues.

Diagnostic Techniques and Treatment

One common method used to diagnose issues with your bite is a marking film technique. During this process, you’ll bite down on a special film that leaves marks on the teeth, showing how they come together and where excessive forces are present. This diagnostic can help pinpoint the specific areas where adjustments are necessary.

For the adjustment itself, we use precise tools to slightly reshape areas of the teeth, effectively redistributing the biting forces across a broader area. This process is typically painless and helps alleviate discomfort.

Because your bite can change as muscles adapt, multiple appointments may be necessary to gradually perfect the adjustment.

Complementary Treatments

In some cases, we may recommend additional treatments alongside occlusal adjustment. These include:

Hawley bite plane: This custom-made removable appliance can help alleviate headaches and stabilize teeth that have become loose due to constant grinding.
Ribbond splinting: This temporary technique uses a tough material like Kevlar to stabilize loose teeth by anchoring them to neighboring teeth for support.
Medication: Sometimes, we prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications to ease jaw muscle tension.

Long-Term Benefits of Occlusal Bite Adjustment

Occlusal bite adjustment offers several long-term benefits that can significantly improve your oral health and overall quality of life:

Reduced wear and tear: Occlusal adjustments prevent excessive wear on individual teeth by evenly distributing biting forces. This helps preserve your natural tooth structure.
Improved comfort: Misaligned bites often cause discomfort or pain in the jaw, teeth, and even headaches. Proper alignment eliminates these issues, enhancing daily comfort.
Enhanced functionality: Correcting the bite alignment improves your ability to chew effectively and speak clearly, which are vital functions that dental misalignments can disrupt.
Reduced risk of further dental issues: When teeth are properly aligned, they are simpler to clean and less prone to cavities and gum disease. This is because there are fewer areas where plaque can build up and less stress placed on individual teeth.

These adjustments resolve immediate discomfort and contribute to maintaining a healthier, more functional dental structure in the long term.

How to Maintain Your Bite After an Adjustment

Post-adjustment care is crucial for maintaining the alignment and ensuring that the benefits of the occlusal adjustment last. Here are some tips for maintaining your bite:

Maintain regular dental checkups: Regular visits to Fine Dental Care allow for early detection of any changes in your bite or dental health. We recommend scheduling checkups at least twice a year.
Wear protective appliances if prescribed: If you are prone to grinding your teeth at night, we may recommend wearing a night guard to protect your bite adjustment from the pressure and wear of bruxism.
Follow good oral hygiene practices: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily help keep your teeth and gums healthy and support your occlusal adjustment.
Avoid hard or sticky foods: In the days following your adjustment, we recommend avoiding foods that require excessive force to chew, as they might disrupt the new alignment.

Maintaining your bite involves a combination of professional dental care and personal oral hygiene practices. By following our recommendations and taking care of your teeth, you can enjoy the full benefits of your occlusal adjustment for years to come.

Choose Fine Dental Care for Your Occlusal Bite Alignment

Occlusal bite adjustment is a vital procedure that addresses discomfort, prevents excessive wear on teeth, and enhances overall oral functionality. If you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth sensitivity, jaw tightness, or headaches, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Fine Dental Care, we’re dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate care to ensure your bite is properly aligned and functioning at its best. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen—contact us today to schedule your appointment!