An occlusal adjustment, often called a bite adjustment, modifies the biting surfaces of teeth to improve how the upper and lower jaws meet. The goal is to eliminate interferences and create a harmonious bite, ensuring that chewing forces are distributed evenly across the dental arch. This reshaping helps optimize the function of the teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles.
Identifying the Conditions that Require Adjustment
A dentist may recommend an occlusal adjustment when the patient’s bite is unstable or causing undue stress on the oral system. One common indication is premature contacts, often referred to as “high spots,” where a few teeth strike together before the rest when the mouth closes. These uneven forces can lead to localized tooth pain, increased sensitivity, or even tooth mobility and fracture over time.
Uneven or excessive wear patterns on the enamel are also strong signs that an adjustment is necessary. When the bite is misaligned, specific teeth may undergo disproportionate pressure, resulting in chipped edges, flattened cusps, or notches near the gumline. Furthermore, occlusal issues are frequently linked to symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), where the uneven forces strain the jaw joint and muscles.
Patients might experience chronic symptoms such as persistent headaches, jaw pain, or clicking and popping sounds when moving the jaw. The procedure is also often performed following major dental work, such as new fillings, crowns, or orthodontic treatment, to ensure new restorations integrate smoothly. Balancing the occlusion helps reduce muscle tension and allows the jaw to rest in its correct position.
How the Procedure is Performed
The occlusal adjustment begins with an evaluation of how the teeth meet during various jaw movements. The dentist identifies specific points of interference or excessive pressure using articulating paper, a thin, colored film. The patient bites down on the paper and slides their jaw against it.
The paper leaves colored marks on the teeth, showing where the upper and lower surfaces contact. The dentist then uses fine polishing instruments, such as slow-speed dental burs, to gently remove a minute amount of enamel from the marked high spots. This process, known as selective grinding, is performed incrementally to ensure precision and minimal tooth modification.
After each subtle reduction, the marking process is repeated to check the bite and verify that contact points are balancing. This cycle continues until biting forces are evenly distributed across the arch, achieving a stable occlusion. Since the removal is minimal and confined to the outermost layer of the tooth, the procedure is generally non-invasive and often completed without local anesthesia.
What to Expect After an Occlusal Adjustment
Immediately following the adjustment, the patient may notice their bite feels different or smoother, as friction points have been eliminated. This initial sensation is normal and represents the mouth adapting to the corrected alignment. Mild, temporary tooth sensitivity may occur, but this discomfort usually subsides within a few days.
The long-term goal of the adjustment is to provide relief from the symptoms that prompted the procedure. Patients often report a reduction in generalized jaw pain, decreased frequency of tension headaches, and an improvement in overall chewing comfort. By stabilizing the bite, the treatment helps prevent further uneven tooth wear and protects existing dental work, such as crowns and fillings, from undue stress.
A follow-up appointment is often scheduled to ensure the adjustment is stable and that the patient’s jaw and muscles have adapted fully. The elimination of irregular tooth contacts allows the jaw muscles to relax into a more natural position, leading to a significant reduction in muscle strain and TMD-related symptoms. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following aftercare instructions, such as wearing a night guard if recommended, is important for preserving the corrected bite.