A dental bite adjustment refines how your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. Its primary purpose is to ensure that chewing forces are distributed evenly across all teeth. This process helps prevent undue strain on specific areas, which can arise after various dental procedures such as fillings or crowns, or due to natural tooth misalignment. By correcting these imbalances, a bite adjustment aims to improve comfort, protect dental restorations, and promote overall oral health.
Typical Timeline for Settling
The time for a dental bite adjustment to fully settle varies, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks, though deeper nerve sensitivity might take longer. Initial discomfort or a feeling of “differentness” subsides within a few days. Complete adaptation to the new bite may take several weeks to a few months.
This timeline is influenced by the adjustment’s complexity and individual healing capacity. Minor adjustments, like those to a single high spot on a new filling, settle quickly. More extensive changes or underlying issues like inflammation can extend the settling period.
Common Sensations During Adjustment
Immediately following a bite adjustment, various sensations are common as your mouth adapts. You might notice mild soreness or tenderness in your teeth or jaw muscles. Some individuals report a temporary increase in sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or pressure.
A feeling of “differentness” or slight unevenness is also common, where teeth may not initially feel perfectly aligned. These sensations are temporary and indicate your teeth and surrounding structures are responding to the changes made.
Managing Discomfort
Managing discomfort after a bite adjustment involves several practical steps to support adapting oral tissues. Opting for soft foods for the first few days can reduce pressure on adjusted teeth, allowing them to settle without excessive strain. It is also beneficial to avoid chewing directly on the affected side if sensitivity or soreness is present.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate mild discomfort. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce temporary temperature sensitivity. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, supports the healing process.
Signs Requiring Dental Attention
While some discomfort and unusual sensations are normal during the settling period, certain signs indicate a need for follow-up dental attention. Persistent or worsening pain that does not improve after a few days is an indicator. Severe sensitivity to hot or cold that intensifies or does not subside should also be evaluated.
Other warning signs include a continued inability to chew comfortably, a persistent feeling of a “high spot” on a tooth that does not resolve, or any new dental issues such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint, or increased tooth mobility. These symptoms suggest the bite may not be settling correctly and require professional assessment.