The term “occlusal” refers to the contact between your upper and lower teeth. Occlusion is the specific way your teeth come together when you close your jaw or chew. Think of it as your bite. In a well-aligned mouth, the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles all work together in harmony. This relationship influences how you eat, speak, and the long-term condition of your teeth and jaw.
The destructive process that results from a misaligned bite is known as occlusal disease. Many people are not aware they have this issue, often mistaking the early signs for normal wear and tear. However, without attention, the problem can lead to more significant consequences over time.
The Ideal Bite
An ideal bite features a harmonious alignment of the teeth and jaws. When you close your mouth, your upper teeth should fit slightly over your lower teeth. The pointed tips, or cusps, of your molars and premolars should fit neatly into the grooves of the opposing teeth, similar to how gears mesh together. This precise fit allows chewing forces to be distributed evenly across all of your teeth, preventing any single tooth from bearing too much pressure.
From the front, the edges of your upper teeth should follow the curve of your lower lip, and about two-thirds of your bottom teeth should be visible when you bite down. The upper arch of your teeth should be slightly wider than the lower arch. This alignment is not just for appearance; it ensures that the teeth can function efficiently without causing damage to themselves or the supporting jaw structures.
This balanced arrangement allows the jaw muscles and joints to function without strain. Each tooth has contact with its neighbors, forming a continuous, flowing curve with no gaps or overlaps. This structure provides mutual support and stability during the powerful movements of chewing.
Signs of a Problematic Bite
A bite that is not properly aligned, or malocclusion, can lead to several noticeable issues. One of the most common signs is abnormal wear on the teeth. This can appear as flattened back teeth or front teeth that look shorter, and you might also notice small chips, fractures, or indentations on the tooth surfaces.
This uneven pressure can also make teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Pain in the jaw muscles is another symptom, which can extend to the head and neck as frequent headaches, particularly in the temple area. Some individuals experience sounds like clicking or popping from their jaw joint when they eat or speak. The constant, unbalanced forces can also cause teeth to become loose or shift their position.
A misaligned bite can also affect the soft tissues in your mouth. Gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, can be a sign. Some people may find themselves frequently biting the inside of their cheek or tongue. These symptoms occur because an imbalanced bite concentrates force onto specific teeth and puts a strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
Common Occlusal Treatments
Dentists have several methods to address problems arising from a bad bite, with the goal of creating a stable alignment where teeth, muscles, and jaws work together. The specific treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Early diagnosis often allows for less complex interventions.
For minor imbalances, a procedure called occlusal adjustment, or equilibration, may be performed. This involves the slight reshaping of the enamel on the biting surfaces of the teeth. By selectively grinding down high spots, the dentist can help the teeth meet more evenly, distributing pressure and reducing stress on individual teeth and the jaw joint.
When tooth grinding, known as bruxism, is the primary issue, an occlusal guard is often recommended. This is a custom-fitted, removable appliance, similar to a mouthguard, that is typically worn at night. The guard protects the teeth from the damaging forces of clenching and grinding, preventing further wear and fractures. While it effectively manages the symptoms, it does not correct the underlying misalignment of the teeth.
If the teeth themselves are in the wrong position, orthodontic treatment is often the solution. This can involve traditional braces or clear aligners that physically move the teeth into their ideal positions over time. Correcting the alignment directly addresses the root cause of the occlusal problem. For teeth that have been significantly damaged or worn down, restorative work such as crowns or veneers may be necessary to rebuild them to their proper height and shape.