The grinding sound of teeth scraping against each other during sleep is more than an annoyance for you and your sleeping partner. This condition, known as bruxism, can lead to serious dental problems, including worn enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, and even cracked or broken teeth. While many factors contribute to teeth grinding, one of the most significant yet often overlooked causes is an uneven bite, or malocclusion. Fortunately, occlusal adjustment offers a practical solution to this problem by reshaping the teeth to create a more balanced bite.
At Legacy Oral Surgery, our caring team understands the damage that chronic teeth grinding can cause to your oral health. We provide comprehensive evaluations and specialized treatments designed to address the root causes of your bruxism. Our experienced oral surgeons use advanced techniques and precise care to help restore proper bite alignment and reduce the painful symptoms of teeth grinding.
Understanding Occlusal Adjustment
Occlusal adjustment is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the biting surfaces of teeth to create a more balanced and harmonious bite. When your teeth don’t fit together properly, your jaw muscles may work harder during normal functions like chewing or speaking. This excess strain can lead to unconscious grinding, particularly during sleep when your body’s natural protective reflexes are diminished. This issue affects more than one in 10 adults, making it a common concern.
During an occlusal adjustment procedure, we carefully identify areas where your teeth make premature or excessive contact. Using specialized tools, we gently reduce these high spots to distribute biting forces more evenly across all teeth. The goal is not to remove significant tooth structure but to make precise, minimal adjustments that yield maximum comfort and function.
Signs You May Need Occlusal Adjustment
Identifying whether your teeth grinding is related to bite issues requires professional evaluation, but the following indicators might suggest occlusal adjustment could be beneficial:
- Frequent headaches, especially upon waking
- Jaw pain or soreness in the morning
- Noticeable wear patterns on specific teeth
- Sensitivity in teeth that make first contact when closing your mouth
- Difficulty finding a comfortable position when your teeth are together
If you experience these symptoms alongside teeth grinding, scheduling a comprehensive evaluation can be the first step toward finding relief.
Benefits Beyond Bruxism Prevention
While preventing teeth grinding is a primary benefit of occlusal adjustment, the procedure offers several additional advantages, including the following:
- Reduced pressure on dental restorations, extending their lifespan
- Decreased jaw muscle fatigue and related pain
- Lower risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Protection against premature wear and cracking of natural teeth
- Improved overall comfort when biting and chewing
These improvements in daily comfort and long-term dental health can make occlusal adjustment a worthwhile consideration beyond its role in addressing bruxism.
Occlusal Adjustment vs. Night Guards to Prevent Teeth Grinding
When considering treatment for teeth grinding, you may wonder about the difference between occlusal adjustment and night guards, both of which are commonly recommended for teeth grinding. While night guards provide a protective barrier between your teeth during sleep, they don’t address the underlying bite issues triggering the grinding behavior.
Occlusal adjustment takes a more corrective approach by addressing your bite alignment, which is the root cause of the problem. In some cases, the most effective treatment combines both approaches: occlusal adjustment to correct the bite issues, a custom night guard for additional protection during the adjustment period, or ongoing maintenance.
What Happens During the Occlusal Adjustment Procedure?
Understanding what to expect can help ease any concerns if you’re considering occlusal adjustment. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation: A comprehensive evaluation of your bite using special marking paper that shows where teeth make contact
- Treatment plan: Discussion of findings and treatment recommendations
- Reshaping: Careful reshaping of targeted areas using precision instruments
- Bite testing: Immediate testing of the newly adjusted bite
- Monitoring: Follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make further adjustments if needed
This straightforward, comfortable procedure uses only local anesthesia in rare cases requiring more significant adjustments. The results are often immediately noticeable, and you’ll likely feel improved comfort when biting down after just one session.
Taking the First Step Toward Relief With an Occlusal Adjustment at Legacy Oral Surgery
Living with the discomfort and potential damage of chronic teeth grinding is unnecessary when effective treatments like occlusal adjustment are available. By addressing the fundamental bite issues contributing to your bruxism, you can protect your teeth, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding or have concerns about your bite alignment, we invite you to contact Legacy Oral Surgery for a comprehensive evaluation. Our skilled team of oral surgeons brings years of specialized experience to every patient interaction, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care. Schedule your consultation today by calling (201) 601-9262 or through our contact form.
