What is Occlusal Adjustment?
Occlusion is dental terminology addressing how your teeth in your upper and lower jaw fit together, or your bite. When you shut your mouth, the entire arch of your bottom and top teeth should make complete contact at the same time. When some of your teeth touch before others, this is called a malocclusion. If this is left untreated, malocclusion may result in extra pressure being placed on those teeth touching first, which will then cause other oral health issues. If you have a malocclusion, you are a candidate for an occlusal adjustment. This occlusal or bite adjustment is a procedure, or several procedures, which are performed to realign your bite. This correction will minimize the strain on the jawbone and your jaw joints and relieve the excess pressure on those teeth.
Nothing but absolute perfection is acceptable at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. The entire staff focuses on a warm, patient, and caring experience for your dental care. Every day, every appointment, every procedure, the team concentrates on earning and maintaining your trust. We are proud to collaborate with you and your family, and each team member participates in continuing education to always apply the recent innovative technological advancements in the dental industry. Whether it is a regular checkup exam or a procedure for an Occlusal Adjustment, simply call us at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750, and schedule your appointment today. You can easily find us at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.
eddy periodontics & implant dentistry
Our Highly Skilled & Compassionate Team
Our team, led by Dr. Nelson Eddy, a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology, and his son, Dr. Joseph Eddy, combines decades of experience with advanced training to provide exceptional care for every patient.
Are You a Candidate for an Occlusal or Bite Adjustment?
To determine if you are a candidate for occlusal or bite adjustment, your team at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry will check to see if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Prematurity- When some opposing teeth make contact before your jaw is totally closed.
- Interference- The desired contact between your teeth is somehow altered or inhibited.
- Disharmony- Your opposing teeth simply do not align properly.
- Trauma- An unexpected trauma resulting in the opposing teeth to be off axis, which then causes damage to the tissue.
During your occlusal analysis, we will check for these symptoms to determine the proper periodontic treatment.
When you close your mouth, your top teeth and bottom teeth should all meet, making contact at the same time. If they do not, this is the malocclusion. A malocclusion is considered an imperfect bite which can easily cause serious issues in the future if left uncorrected, because of that extra pressure on the teeth that meet first.
Possible Side Effects from Malocclusion
You may not be aware that a dental issue is a result of your malocclusion. Some of these disorders or symptoms might be:
- Tooth or jawbone pain.
- Increased tooth sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures.
- Gum or bone recession.
- Nerve or muscle damage.
- The development of TMJ temporomandibular joint issues.
- Teeth grinding, or bruxism.
- Teeth missing.
- Chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth.
- Damage to a dental restoration.
These issues can cause serious side-effects that can also lead to extreme discomfort including:
- Major headaches or migraines due to unequal bite pressure issues.
- Muscle or joint spasms in your face, your jaw or neck.
- Aesthetic issues that will affect your smile and impact your self-confidence.
If an occlusal analysis at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry identifies you have bite issues, we might recommend an occlusal or bite adjustment. There are different treatments for correcting malocclusion, and we will select the procedure best suited for your specific condition.
Occlusal and Bite Adjustment Procedures
Which treatment option is the best for you will depend on the source of your problem. To determine which treatment is best, Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry will first make an impression of your bite to determine the initial source of your issue. Quite often malocclusion can be easily corrected by simply removing a microscopic layer from certain teeth, which then allows all your teeth to meet at the same time. As we remove these tiny layers, we continue assessing your bite until we are satisfied that your occlusion has been corrected. This is an extremely simple and pain free procedure that does not require any anesthesia.
Another common treatment for adjusting your bite and correcting malocclusion is to repair any broken, cracked, or chipped teeth. Sometimes replacing old dental fillings can help correct your bite. We can add dental crowns if we need to give certain teeth more depth or length and dental fillings can also help reshape teeth that are chipped.
Another treatment commonly used to realign teeth is using an orthodontic device. If you have a severe case of misalignment, you might need extended treatment with an orthodontic appliance such as braces or Invisalign. If only small adjustments are needed, we will have an alternative treatment option available to correct your alignment in a shorter period.
Bite Guards and Other Possible Occlusal or Bite Adjustments
In addition to these adjustments with your team at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we could recommend the use of a bite guard, mouth guard or a similar appliance. These devices will prevent grinding your teeth, or bruxism, and can also stop you from clenching your jaw and increasing any tension in the joint. Bite guards are highly successful if you are suffering from TMJ issues. A bite guard will eliminate the headaches in the morning. Sometimes we could recommend you also wear the bite guard during the daytime to train your jaw to stay in a relaxed position.
A bite guard is custom made specifically for you to ensure perfect treatment. This treatment is also recommended for all ages. We can use digital 3D images or traditional wax impressions to ensure your guard is created specifically to fit your bite, customizing it in the lab and then fitting it perfectly for maximum comfort.
Bone Grafting
When teeth are extracted or oral cysts are removed, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate. This can result in a sunken facial appearance and make dental implant placement more difficult. A bone graft is a straightforward procedure that promotes the growth of new bone cells, helping to restore your oral health and prepare you for further treatments.
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Sedation Dentistry
Patient comfort is a top priority for us. To ensure your procedure is both safe and pain-free, we offer various sedation options. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, we may recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. We hope these options provide you with peace of mind as you prepare for your treatment.
We Offer A
Variety Of Services For All Your Needs
At Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our goal is to give each patient personalized attention, taking the time to thoroughly understand their needs and concerns. We offer detailed evaluations and comprehensive care to ensure our patients leave feeling positive and in excellent oral health. Explore the treatments we offer to learn more.
Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Earns Your Trust with Our Warm and Caring Focus
Our team is methodical in our approach, concentrating on your well-being through your procedure and your daily life. We appreciate the anxiety and apprehension that often comes with dental care, and therefore we take the time and effort necessary to make you comfortable throughout. Call us today at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750 with any questions you may have or to schedule a Dental Implant restoration, and we look forward to seeing you at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.