Occlusal Adjustment
Tuscumbia, AL
 Malocclusion refers to any improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth, often leading to various dental and health issues.
Maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile goes beyond just daily brushing and flossing. While good hygiene is essential for oral health and dental care, addressing existing dental conditions is equally important.
One common issue that can impact your smile is malocclusion, a condition caused by misalignment between the upper and lower teeth. Dental malocclusion is a problem because it can lead to discomfort, tooth wear, and even difficulty chewing.
At Singing River Dentistry, we offer solutions for correcting your bite and relieving the discomfort associated with this painful condition. Whether you need a referral for bite correction surgery on the jaw (also often referred to as orthognathic surgery) or another related dental treatment, our expert team is here to help.
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Are There Different Types of Malocclusion?
There are several different types, or classes, of malocclusion. These are the most common that we experience here in our office.
Overcrowded or Unevenly Spaced Teeth
Class I malocclusion is the most often seen form of malocclusion. This occurs when the patient's bite is normal, but there is some misalignment of the teeth. Teeth may be overcrowded or unevenly spaced, but not causing bite problems.
Overbite
Class II malocclusion is often referred to as having an overbite. This happens when the upper jaw and teeth protrude too far over the lower jaw. This can make biting and chewing difficult, affect speech, and increase the risk of injury to the protruding teeth.
Underbite
When the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, this results in an underbite. This is Class III malocclusion. This condition can be inherited, or result from jaw injuries.
When Do You Need Occlusal Therapy?
Malocclusion can worsen over time, even if the jaw has stopped growing. Early treatment is crucial, especially if you are experiencing any pain. The following are signs that could indicate that you may need occlusal adjustment.
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Jaw Pain or Discomfort - A misaligned bite can lead to chronic jaw pain, particularly while chewing. In some cases, it may also cause the jaw to lock.
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Uneven Tooth Wear - Unequal pressure from a misaligned jaw can cause some of your teeth to wear down faster than others, leading to sensitivity and cracks in the teeth.
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Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) - Teeth grinding is often associated with malocclusion. By correcting the teeth alignment, occlusal adjustments can reduce the excessive contact that is occurring between the upper and lower teeth.
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Difficulty Chewing - If you struggle to chew food or maintain a proper bite (dental occlusion), an occlusal adjustment can improve functionality, reduce discomfort, and prevent further tooth wear. |
What is Involved in the Occlusal Adjustment Process?
Occlusal adjustment is a multi-step process that starts with a comprehensive examination with us where we will assess the extent of your teeth misalignment. We will create a customized treatment plan to address the misalignment.
A digital bite analysis and articulating paper may be used to evaluate bite pressure and identify areas of uneven contact within your mouth.
To correct small imperfections in your bite, our dentists can remove small amounts of tooth enamel from areas where teeth make excessive contact. Follow-up appointments with us will ensure this small occlusal adjustment is successful and long-lasting. This will help your teeth from coming into improper contact, allow you to chew easier, and relieve any pain or discomfort you may have been having while chewing.
What Are the Different Ways Dental Malocclusion is Treated?
There are various methods for treating your malocclusion. The treatment we decide upon for your malocclusion will depend on the severity of the misalignment of your teeth and jaw. Below are some of the most common methods.
Braces
Braces are still the most widely used and effective treatment for malocclusion. These can be in the form of traditional metal braces, lingual braces, or ceramic braces. Braces help treat malocclusion by applying consistent pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. Depending on the severity, treatment can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months.
Invisalign
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, offer a more discreet alternative to braces. These removable aligner trays are nearly invisible. They are ideal for mild misalignment or teeth crowding, with treatment typically lasting six to 18 months.
While treatment time is shorter than that of metal braces, clear aligners cannot treat severe misalignment such as underbite, overbite, and crossbite. Traditional braces will still be needed to treat those types of malocclusions.
Oral Surgery
In severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary to realign the jaw and correct the position of the teeth. Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, not only improves oral function but also enhances facial symmetry. This dental procedure is typically performed by a maxillofacial surgeon, with the use of general anesthesia. Recovery from jaw surgery can take several months.
Functional Appliances
Functional appliances are commonly used to prevent malocclusion in children. These types of devices can include springs, screws, or ramps to guide the growth of the jaw and the alignment of the teeth. They are often used alongside other treatments such as braces or aligners, and may require a timeframe of six to 12 months for results.
You Tuscumbia, AL Dentist Can Help with Misaligned Teeth!
If you're experiencing discomfort or issues due to uneven teeth or bite misalignment, our skilled dental team here at Singing River Dentistry is here to help you. We recognize how important occlusal adjustment is, for both the function and aesthetics of your mouth, teeth, and jaw.
We encourage you to contact us today at 256-712-2240 to schedule your consultation appointment with us. You can also schedule an appointment through our website. Our friendly team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
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