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Bite
adjustments are a process by which teeth are smoothed so that all teeth meet
evenly and only the front teeth hit when the jaw moves from side to side and
forward. DeFelice Family Dentistry performs these bite adjustments to
correct
occlusions and to insure that biting forces are balanced
for long term optimum health. The three common reasons for bite adjustments
are:
- to improve the
relationship of the upper and lower teeth with each other, thereby improving
the relationship of the teeth with the temperomandibular joint
(TMJ)
- to decrease tooth
sensitivity caused by
malocclusion
- to help decrease
grinding or bruxing of the teeth.
While we
do not always know the reason why a patient
bruxes, the main causes seem to be associated with stress
and an uncomfortable
occlusion. When
bruxing, you may relieve some areas of
malocclusion or you may create more while relieving
others.
It is
best to rely on a professional who is trained to recognize which areas of your
teeth should be in contact. Your dentist can then create the proper
relationship between your upper and lower teeth.
First we
observe the centric occlusion of your bite. This is the term used to define the
habitual position of closure. In other words, the position your teeth are in
when you repeatedly bite. An ideal centric occlusion occurs when all the teeth
are in proper contact. Also the teeth are not in cross bite, there is no under
bite or over bite. In an ideal occlusion, when the lower jaw is shifted to one
side, the posterior teeth should not touch.
In a
normal bite the anterior (front) teeth guide the posterior (back) teeth into
position or a centric occlusion. When the front teeth are placed together on
their biting edges the posterior teeth should not touch. If the posterior teeth
touch in that position, the symptoms mentioned in this page can
occur.
In some
individuals the front teeth may not touch at all. They have what is called an
anterior open bite or have an overbite. This is due to bony (skeletal)
discrepancy between their upper and lower jaw bones. This frequently can be
corrected by a combination of orthodontics, surgery to reposition the bones,
crowns (caps) and/or other reconstructive dentistry.
Biofeedback also comes into play. At times when the canines touch,
nerves send a message back to the brain which in turn sends a message to those
large muscles that close the jaw. That message instructs the muscles to relax
and ease-up on the force applied.
When you
take away that canine protection, the muscles stay active. That's when you can
get clenching, grinding of the teeth, joint pain, fracturing of teeth,
excessive wear of the enamel on top of the tooth, erosion of the root surface
(abfractions), including possible gum recession. If teeth are properly aligned
all the components that make up the occlusal system (teeth, nerves, muscles,
and bones) should function in harmony.
The forces
that can be exerted by the jaw are substantial. Normal chewing places about 68
lbs/sq inch of pressure on the back teeth. If you intentionally clench your
teeth you may increase that force to about 150 lbs/sq inch. However, an
individual who clenches and grinds their teeth subconsciously at night can
place up 1200 lbs/sq inch of force. This force compares the grinding equipment
used in industry!
After the
procedure is done, you should notice that your teeth feel comfortable when you
bite them together. If you have had any pain in your TMJ associated with the
bruxing, this should bring some relief.
The
adjustment should also help relieve the bruxing itself. In addition, you may
have some improvement in any teeth which might be sensitive as a result of the
bruxing.
If you do
not have the occlusal adjustment procedure, you might continue to brux your
teeth, causing them to wear further. This will eventually change your bite
relationship which could adversely affect your TMJ.
If you
ever decide you want to reconstruct the teeth to resolve any of the issues
mentioned the investment can be well worth it. The cost of an occlusal
adjustment procedure can vary greatly depending on many factors.
At
DeFelice Family Dentistry you will be fully informed of your options and the
investment involved. |
