Occlusal Disease Treatment

What is an occlusal analysis?

Occlusion refers to your bite or the way that your upper and lower teeth fit together. An occlusal analysis examines and evaluates the patient’s bite, focusing particularly on the areas where upper and lower teeth make contact with one another.

An occlusal adjustment consists of one or more treatments performed to align the bite so that all the teeth come together correctly when the mouth is closed. Occlusal adjustments relieve undue pressure on any individual tooth while reducing pressure on the jawbone and the mandibular joints.

What is an occlusal adjustment?

An occlusal adjustment is an adjustment of the bite. Its purpose is to correct the way the upper and lower teeth come together when they meet. During an occlusal adjustment, Dr. Harding will carefully and precisely alter or adjust the biting surfaces of a tooth or multiple teeth. By grinding and re-shaping tooth surfaces, he can create a more even bite by improving contact patterns, which also improves function. An occlusal adjustment may also include the placement of prosthetics such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to ensure a more balanced and functional bite.

When are an occlusal analysis and bite adjustment necessary?

When the upper and lower teeth don’t come together in a balanced manner, this is referred to as a malocclusion. Malocclusions typically exert undue pressure on certain teeth, which can cause problems in chewing function.

What conditions may be treated with a bite adjustment?

Very often, patients don’t realize that one or more of their dental problems may be caused by a malocclusion. Some of the most common problems that may be caused by malocclusions include:

• Receding gums
• Bone loss
• Damage to nerves or muscle
• Missing teeth
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Pain in the tooth or jawbone
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Damage to crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations

As part of your dental checkup with Dr. Harding, he will perform an occlusal analysis to determine whether you need an adjustment to correct your bite. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Harding today to ensure a balanced, even smile, and healthy chewing function.