Occlusal Adjustment
Muscle Shoals, AL
 Maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile requires more than just daily brushing and flossing. While proper hygiene is crucial for good oral health, it is equally important to treat any existing dental conditions.
One of the dental disorders that can affect your smile is malocclusion. The condition is caused by misalignments between the upper and lower teeth. Depending on the severity of the condition, patients may experience tooth wear, incessant pain, and difficulties in chewing.
At Singing River Dentistry, we perform occlusal adjustments to help realign your bite and eliminate the pain that comes with misaligned teeth. So, if you are seeking bite correction surgery or other related procedures, our team is ready to help.
What Is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion is a condition where the upper and lower teeth have some noticeable overlaps. The problem can manifest in different ways, as outlined below:
Class I Malocclusion
This type of malocclusion is common in people with crowded or unevenly spaced teeth. It is a relatively minor problem, which is why most patients experience little to no bite problems.
Class II Malocclusion (Retrognathism)
Class II malocclusion is also known as overbite or retrognathism. It occurs when the teeth of the upper jaw stick out too far over the teeth of the lower jaw. This is either because the upper jaw is too far forward or the position of the lower jaw is too far back. It can cause problems like difficulty biting food, speech problems, and injuries to the protruding teeth.
Class III Malocclusion
Class III malocclusion is popularly known as underbite or prognathism. It occurs when the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw. This forces the lower teeth to extend too far past the upper teeth. Class III malocclusion is mostly an inherited condition, but it can also occur due to jaw injuries.
How Is Malocclusion Treated?
Treatment options for malocclusion vary according to the type and severity of the misalignment. Generally, it takes many months to fix the problem. Below are the most common dental procedures used for occlusal adjustment:
Braces
Braces are rigid brackets (usually made of metal or ceramic) attached to the front of the teeth. They are the most common and effective treatment option for malocclusion. They work by applying pressure to the teeth until they move to the required positions.
That said, it is important to note that treatment periods for braces vary depending on the severity of the problem. In most cases, it only takes 18 to 36 months to realize results.
Invisalign
Clear aligners like Invisalign are made of transparent trays that fit over the teeth. They are removable, transparent, and more discrete than braces. They are a great treatment option for mild cases of misalignment and teeth crowding. Just like braces, treatment periods vary and might take between six to 18 months.
Surgery
Surgery is the last resort when other treatment methods prove ineffective. It is ideal for severe cases of malocclusion. The primary role of jaw surgery is to realign the jaw and return the teeth to their correct positions. It also has some aesthetic value, as the surgery will correct facial asymmetry and make the jaw appear more proportionate.
Malocclusion surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia by maxillofacial surgeons. Moreover, recovery takes several months, and you may need further orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the alignment.
Using Functional Appliances
Functional orthodontic devices are a form of occlusal therapy mostly used to prevent malocclusion in children. The devices exert pressure to guide the growth of the jaw and the development and alignment of the teeth. Some of the commonly used functional devices include springs, screws, and ramps.
The devices are often used alongside other mainstream treatments like braces and Invisalign. Generally, functional appliances require six to 12 months to give results.
Who Should Get Occlusal Adjustment?
Malocclusion can worsen over time, even if the teeth and jaw have stopped growing. As such, anyone with malocclusion should get dental treatment as soon as possible. This is especially so if they have the following symptoms:
Jaw Pain or Discomfort
Bite misalignment can cause chronic pain in the jaw while chewing. In some cases, the jaw may even lock.
Uneven Tooth Wear
Misaligned jaws create uneven pressure on the teeth, which can cause some of them to wear faster than others. A common sign of worn teeth is heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Visible cracks on the teeth are also a tell-tale sign.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the technical word for teeth grinding. It is a common problem among people with misaligned bites. Occlusal adjustment ensures the teeth fit together properly, effectively reducing unnecessary contact between the upper and lower teeth.
Difficulty Chewing
You may need an occlusal adjustment if you struggle to chew food properly or cannot hold a bite. The adjustment will improve your bite, reduce tooth wear, and alleviate discomfort while chewing.
The Occlusal Adjustment Procedure
Occlusal adjustment is a multi-step process that can take days or weeks. It usually starts with a thorough examination of the teeth to determine the extent of the problem. During examination, the dentist might use a digital bite analysis tool and articulating paper to measure bite pressure.
After the initial evaluation, the dentist will seek to identify the specific spots where your teeth make uneven contact. In other words, this is where some teeth touch more forcefully than others when you bite down.
To correct the bite, one of our dentists might use a dental drill to remove some enamel from the uneven spots. Thereafter, they will do additional tests to ensure the teeth are normal. After the process, you will be scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor the teeth further and ensure the adjustment works. Referrals to orthodontists or maxillofacial surgeons will be made accordingly.
Book Your Occlusal Adjustment Appointment Today!
If you are suffering from bite misalignment and related discomfort, talk to one of our dentists at Singing River Dentistry for assistance. Call us at 256-712-3186 to book your appointment. Our staff will guide you through the process. |
