Are you experiencing discomfort or an abnormal bite when you bring your teeth together? If your teeth are not properly aligned, an occlusal adjustment may be necessary to correct malocclusion, which is the dental term for a misaligned bite. Untreated malocclusion can lead to oral health problems, but an occlusal adjustment can address this issue, restore normal bite function, such as chewing, and prevent future dental disorders.
An occlusal adjustment is a procedure that improves the contact between teeth by modifying their surfaces. It involves grinding and shaping selected tooth surfaces to eliminate interferences and correct misalignment. This procedure is sometimes referred to as bite adjustment, bite alignment, or occlusal equilibration.
TEETH OCCLUSION
In dentistry, occlusion refers to the contact between your teeth. It describes how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you chew or close your mouth. Ideally, the upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower teeth when your jaw is at rest. A healthy bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth make equal contact without significant rotation or twisting.
TEETH MALOCCLUSION
Teeth malocclusion occurs when your teeth are misaligned. It can manifest as crowded teeth, crossbite, open bite, overbite, or underbite. If left untreated, misaligned teeth can lead to oral health problems, including dental fractures, premature enamel wear, teeth grinding, and clenching, among other issues. Misaligned teeth may also affect functions like chewing, biting, and speech. An occlusal adjustment can correct misaligned teeth and improve a bad bite.