Occlusal Adjustment

Chronic bruxism (grinding and clenching) creates uneven pressure points across your bite, which over time can wear enamel down unevenly and leave certain teeth taking more force than they should. Occlusal adjustment is often part of the treatment plan for bruxism patients because it addresses that root mechanical problem: by carefully reshaping the biting surfaces of the affected teeth, we restore an even, balanced contact so no single tooth is overloaded. It's typically paired with a night guard to protect the teeth while you sleep and, when needed, stress management or physical therapy for the jaw muscles. If you've been told you grind or wake up with jaw soreness or headaches, an occlusal exam is a good next step to see whether adjustment is right for you.

Occlusion is the term that describes the relationship between the teeth in the top row and the teeth in the bottom row when the jaws close while chewing or at rest. When an extreme force is exerted upon the teeth and this affects their alignment, they have undergone occlusal trauma. This misalignment is called traumatic occlusion, and it may result from occlusal trauma, or it may result from disease or dental treatment. Whenever the occlusion is negatively affected, causing tenderness, sensitivity, or pain and possibly damage to or migration of the teeth, this is considered traumatic occlusion, regardless of the cause. Traumatic occlusion may lead to thickening of the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. It may also cause bleeding, cell injury and cell death, bone resorption, and damage to the cementum.

As an adult, loose teeth are a cause for concern. Loose teeth can be a sign that other serious and sometimes painful problems are happening in the mouth. If left untreated for too long, loose teeth are at risk of falling out or requiring extraction , further complicating the healing process. The most common causes of tooth looseness are gum disease, traumatic injury, and bruxism or teeth grinding. With gum disease, bacteria invade the mouth, decaying oral structures. When significant deterioration occurs, teeth can become loose in the mouth. Traumatic injury can happen as a result of accidental impacts sustained during activities like playing rough sports or simply falling. Not all injuries can cause teeth to break or fall out, sometimes teeth are loosened due to the impact. Grinding, or bruxism, can be a cause of loose teeth as well. When teeth are loosened because of bruxism, the best treatment is wearing a night guard.