Occlusal Equilibrium

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Proper alignment of the upper and lower teeth is essential for preventing premature wear and chronic jaw pain. Through precise occlusal equilibrium and the study of masticatory forces, we ensure that your bite distributes pressure evenly to protect your natural teeth and dental restorations.

When your teeth do not fit together perfectly, it creates a condition known as malocclusion, or an improper bite alignment. This imbalance often leads to occlusal wear, which is the gradual thinning and flattening of the chewing surfaces of your teeth. At our practice near the Beavercreek Golf Club, we perform occlusal equilibration, a clinical process in which we gently reshape small areas of the teeth to create a harmonious bite. We also examine the masticatory forces, or the significant pressure generated by your jaw muscles when you chew or clench. If these forces are concentrated on just one or two teeth, those teeth are much more likely to crack or fail over time. Our goal is to balance these pressures so every tooth does its fair share of the work.

A balanced bite not only protects your dental work but also significantly reduces the frequency of tension-related headaches.

Addressing Temporomandibular Joint Stress and Parafunction

The jaw joint, or the temporomandibular joint, acts as a sliding hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When the teeth are out of alignment, this joint undergoes constant stress, leading to clicking, popping, or limited movement. We also look for signs of parafunction, which are oral habits such as grinding or clenching that occur outside normal eating or speaking. These habits can be destructive to your periodontal ligament, the connective tissue that holds the tooth in the socket and acts as a shock absorber. By using digital bite mapping, we can pinpoint exactly where the interference occurs and make the necessary corrections. Teamwork between our diagnostic experts and restorative artists ensures that any new crowns or fillings we place will fit perfectly within your existing bite. This attention to detail prevents the cycle of tooth breakage and frequent repairs that many patients struggle with.

Common Questions About Bite Alignment

  • Why do my teeth feel sensitive even though I have no cavities? Sensitivity is often caused by a “heavy” bite, where one tooth hits sooner or harder than the others. This constant trauma irritates the nerve inside the tooth, causing it to react to cold or pressure. Once we balance the bite, that sensitivity usually disappears very quickly.
  • Will I have to wear a nightguard forever? We often recommend custom appliances to protect your teeth from the heavy forces of nighttime grinding. While it might not be forever, using a guard is a great way to safeguard your investment and keep your jaw muscles relaxed while you sleep. Most patients find they sleep much better once their jaw stops working so hard at night.
  • How do you find the spots that need to be adjusted? We use specialized thin sensor paper and digital analysis to see exactly where your teeth make contact when you bite and grind. It allows us to be extremely precise, removing only the microscopic amounts of enamel necessary to restore balance. It is a quick and painless way to make your mouth feel much more comfortable.

Schedule Your Occlusal Consultation in Beavercreek

If you are tired of jaw pain or worried about worn-down teeth, our specialists can provide the relief you need. Contact Keep Smiling Dental today to schedule a comprehensive bite evaluation.