When you have a healthy bite, pressure is distributed evenly across all of your teeth. When the balance of your bite is off, it can cause discomfort when eating, jaw pain, and cracked teeth. The Dallas dentists at Lakewood Dental Group offer occlusal adjustment as a minimally invasive option to treat bite misalignment. Because Dr. Shaun Sigurdson has specialized training in neuromuscular dentistry, he is uniquely suited to address problems with bite and jaw function.
If you suffer from jaw pain or an uncomfortable bite, occlusal adjustment or another of our neuromuscular treatments may be the solution. Contact us today for a consultation.
Am I a candidate for an occlusal adjustment?
Occlusal adjustment may be appropriate if you suffer from any form of malocclusion, which occurs when your teeth do not come together properly. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites are all types of malocclusion. Additionally, you may benefit from an occlusal adjustment if your bite places more pressure on some of your teeth than others.
Symptoms of malocclusion can include:
- Jaw pain and/or TMJ Disorder
- Cracked teeth
- Worn teeth
- Feeling uncomfortable when chewing
- Frequently biting your lip or tongue
What should I expect during an occlusal adjustment?
During treatment, your Lakewood dentist will carefully reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This will alter the way that your teeth touch when you bite and chew. In accordance with our conservative philosophy, your practitioner will remove the smallest amount of tissue possible. With local anesthesia and his precise techniques, you should experience minimal discomfort.
Your dentist may suggest additional treatments to further correct your bite. For instance, if you have a severely misaligned or damaged tooth, a dental crown can be helpful.
What are the benefits of occlusal adjustment?
An occlusal adjustment can dramatically reduce the symptoms of TMJ Disorder. After treatment, you may experience minimized jaw pain and an increased range of motion. Further, when you have a balanced bite, you have a lower risk of dental damage since your bite will put equal pressure on all of your teeth.
Should I have an occlusal adjustment or orthodontic treatment?
It depends on the severity of your malocclusion. Dr. Sigurdson will use digital imaging to evaluate your bite and recommend the appropriate treatment. Fortunately, if we determine that orthodontia is in your best interests, our Invisalign® treatment is more discreet and comfortable than traditional metal braces.
Why should I choose a neuromuscular dentist?
Neuromuscular dentists like Dr. Sigurdson have specialized training in the disorders affecting the jaw, neck, and head. In addition, they take a holistic approach, considering the teeth, joints, nerves, and muscles together. In this way, they can treat the root cause of jaw pain, rather than merely mitigating the symptoms.
Visit Us Today for Improved Jaw Function
To learn more about occlusal adjustment and to find out if this treatment is right for you, contact Lakewood Dental Group today. You can schedule a bite evaluation online or give us a call at 214-827-1885.
