Occlusal Adjustment

Techniques, Benefits, and Considerations

Occlusal Adjustment?

Occlusal adjustment, also known as bite adjustment or occlusal equilibration, is a dental procedure aimed at correcting and balancing the bite relationship between the upper and lower teeth.

The goal of an occlusal adjustment is to ensure that the teeth meet properly and function harmoniously when biting and chewing.

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By choosing Dr. Rivas and his team at Rivas Periodontics for your occlusal adjustment needs, you can expect expert care, customized treatment, and a patient-centered approach.

Their commitment to excellence in periodontics and their dedication to your oral health and satisfaction make them a trusted choice for occlusal adjustment procedures.

Our Occlusal Adjustment Process

1. Evaluation

Dr. Rivas will examine your teeth, jaw joints, and bite relationship to assess if there are any abnormalities or irregularities. They may use dental instruments, dental articulating paper, or other diagnostic tools to analyze your bite and identify areas that require adjustment.

2. Identification of High Spots

High spots are areas on the teeth where the contacts between the upper and lower teeth are excessive or uneven. These high spots can cause imbalances in the bite and lead to problems such as uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, or difficulties in chewing.

3. Adjustment

Using various techniques, Dr. Rivas will carefully and precisely adjust the high spots on the teeth to create a more balanced bite. This can involve reshaping the chewing surfaces of the teeth or making minor modifications to the tooth structure to achieve proper occlusion and improve the overall bite relationship.

4. Bite Testing

After the adjustments are made, the dentist will test the new bite relationship to ensure that the teeth come together evenly and function properly. This may involve asking you to bite down on special dental paper or to perform specific jaw movements to evaluate the bite balance.

5. Follow-Up

Depending on the complexity of the case, multiple appointments may be necessary to fine-tune the occlusal adjustments. Dr. Rivas will schedule follow-up visits to assess the effectiveness of the adjustments and make any additional refinements if needed.

Benefits of Occlusal Adjustment

Occlusal adjustment ensures proper alignment of the teeth, allowing for a harmonious bite relationship. This leads to improved bite function, making it easier to chew food and reducing the strain on the jaw joints.

By eliminating interferences and correcting misalignments, occlusal adjustment helps prevent dental problems such as tooth wear, fractures, and TMJ disorders. It distributes the forces exerted during chewing evenly, reducing the risk of excessive pressure on certain teeth.

Occlusal adjustment can be beneficial for individuals experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or facial muscle discomfort due to bite problems. By optimizing the occlusal relationship, this procedure can help alleviate such symptoms and improve overall comfort.