Do you wake in the morning with sore jaws or headaches?
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 an unbalanced bite, which may result from loose, shifting, crowded, or missing teeth. The result is an evenly distributed bite that eliminates irregular pressure on one side of the mouth or on a particular tooth or teeth. Once your bite is adjusted, your teeth will meet properly. The adjustment is made by using a dental handpiece using a fine filing stone. In addition to the actual adjustment, removable mouthpieces may also be 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 often find that their teeth do not meet correctly. Patients who grind or clench their teeth will have an uneven bite and pressure distribution in the mouth. Sometimes tooth sensitivity can be corrected through an occlusal adjustment as the treatment reduces pressure on the sensitive tooth.
If you suspect that you may need an occlusal adjustment, schedule an appointment.
