Occlusal Adjustments

Occlusal adjustments involve carefully reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to create a harmonious bite relationship, aiming to optimize dental health and function. By addressing bite discrepancies and ensuring that the upper and lower teeth come together evenly during chewing and speaking, occlusal adjustments can reduce the risk of tooth wear, relieve symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, prevent bruxism, and enhance chewing efficiency. This procedure promotes overall oral health by improving bite alignment and minimizing strain on the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints, ultimately contributing to better oral health and well-being. 

Purpose of Occlusal Adjustments 

Reducing Tooth Wear 

One of the primary purposes of occlusal adjustments in Los Angeles, CA, is to minimize the risk of tooth wear and damage. When the biting surfaces of the teeth are uneven or misaligned, certain teeth may bear more force than others during chewing and grinding. Over time, this can lead to premature wear, chipping, or fracturing of the teeth. By reshaping the biting surfaces to create a balanced bite relationship, occlusal adjustments help distribute biting forces evenly across the teeth, reducing the risk of excessive wear and preserving dental enamel. 

Alleviating Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause many symptoms, including jaw pain, clicking or popping noises, and limited jaw movement. These disorders are often associated with bite discrepancies and misalignment, which can place undue stress on the temporomandibular joints. Occlusal adjustments aim to alleviate TMJ-related symptoms by restoring proper alignment and function to the bite. By creating a harmonious bite relationship, occlusal adjustments help reduce strain on the TMJ, leading to relief from discomfort and improved jaw function. 

Preventing Bruxism 

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep. Bruxism can result in various dental problems, including tooth wear, fracture, and muscle fatigue. Bite discrepancies and misalignment commonly contribute to bruxism, as the jaw muscles may overcompensate to achieve a stable bite position. Occlusal adjustments can help prevent bruxism by correcting bite alignment issues and ensuring the teeth come together evenly during chewing and grinding. By eliminating the underlying cause of bruxism, occlusal adjustments can reduce the risk of dental damage and alleviate associated symptoms. 

Enhancing Chewing Efficiency 

A balanced bite relationship is essential for efficient chewing and proper digestion. When the teeth are misaligned or unevenly distributed, chewing forces may be concentrated on specific areas of the mouth, leading to inefficient chewing and reduced digestion. Occlusal adjustments help improve chewing efficiency by reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to create a uniform biting pattern. By evenly distributing biting forces across the dental arches, occlusal adjustments facilitate better mastication, nutrient absorption, and overall digestive health. 

Promoting Overall Dental Health 

Ultimately, the purpose of occlusal adjustments is to promote overall dental health and well-being. By addressing bite discrepancies and optimizing bite alignment, occlusal adjustments help maintain the structural integrity of the teeth, reduce the risk of dental problems, and alleviate symptoms associated with TMJ disorders and bruxism. Additionally, occlusal adjustments contribute to better oral and systemic health by enhancing chewing efficiency and promoting proper digestion. Occlusal adjustments are vital in ensuring optimal dental function and preserving oral health for a lifetime. 

The Procedure of Occlusal Adjustments 

Occlusal adjustments typically begin with thoroughly examining the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and bite. The dentist in Los Angeles, CA, will assess the patient's bite using various techniques, including visual inspection, bite analysis, and occlusal examination tools. 

Once areas of occlusal discrepancy are identified, the dentist will carefully reshape the biting surfaces of the teeth using dental instruments such as dental burs and polishing discs. The goal is to remove small amounts of enamel from specific areas of the teeth to achieve a balanced bite relationship without compromising the structural integrity of the teeth. 

Throughout the procedure, the dentist at Carlston Dental Group, will continually evaluate the bite relationship to ensure that the adjustments are achieving the desired outcome. Once the desired bite alignment is achieved, the teeth may be polished to smooth rough edges and provide a comfortable bite. Contact us today! 

The Benefits of Occlusal Adjustments 

• By creating a balanced bite relationship, occlusal adjustments distribute biting forces more evenly across the teeth, minimizing the risk of premature wear and damage. 
• Occlusal adjustments can help alleviate symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, such as jaw pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement, by restoring proper alignment and function to the bite. 
• Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause significant dental problems, including tooth wear, fracture, and muscle fatigue. Occlusal adjustments can help prevent bruxism by correcting bite alignment issues and ensuring the teeth come together evenly during chewing and grinding. 
• A balanced bite relationship facilitates more efficient chewing and proper digestion. Occlusal adjustments improve chewing efficiency by reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to create a uniform biting pattern, leading to better mastication, nutrient absorption, and overall digestive health. 
• Misaligned or unevenly distributed biting forces can cause dental pain and discomfort. Occlusal adjustments can correct bite discrepancies, alleviate dental pain, and improve overall comfort while chewing and speaking. 
• Addressing bite alignment issues through occlusal adjustments helps prevent dental problems, including tooth wear, fracture, decay, and gum disease, by promoting a healthy and stable occlusion. 
• A balanced bite relationship enhances oral function by ensuring proper alignment and coordination of the teeth and jaws. This can improve speech, biting, chewing, and swallowing abilities, enhancing overall oral function and quality of life. 

Occlusal adjustments are a valuable tool in dentistry, offering numerous benefits for individuals seeking to improve their dental health and well-being. If you're experiencing symptoms of bite misalignment or TMJ disorders, visit Carlston Dental Group at 2472 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064, or call (310) 838-0844 to determine if occlusal adjustments may benefit you.