Occlusal Adjustment Dentistry in Arizona

Dental term defined.

Occlusal Adjustment. This is the painless procedure in the modification (slight reshaping) of the biting surfaces of the teeth in order to develop a harmonious relationship between the teeth, jaw muscles and temporal mandibular joints (TMJ). The occlusal procedure removes tiny interference’s that keep teeth from coming together properly.

What Causes Occlusal Interference’s?

Occlusal interference’s can prevent the jaw from closing in its anatomically correct position. Interference’s can develop as teeth develop, can occur following an accident, or they can accumulate over time with wear. Dental work such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and extractions can also cause interference’s.

Interference’s can prevent the jaw from fully sliding into its anatomically correct position. This means that the muscles of the jaw and neck are never able to fully relax. This may result in severe headaches and neck aches. Many develop bruxism, or teeth grinding, as their jaw seeks its natural position. Bruxism can cause bone loss, tooth loss, and receding gums. Overtime, patients may develop tempromandibular joint issues, or TMJ, if they go untreated.

How can I know if my bite is off center?

During your examination, your doctor will examine your jaw closely and may notice symptoms that your bite may be off. Symptoms can vary from the jaw not opening evenly on both sides, the jaw makes a clicking noise as it opens, the enamel has been ground away in certain areas, or there are fractured teeth. Chronic symptoms of bruxism, headaches or neck aches, are also clues that the bite may be off.

How is my bite fixed?

Before the procedure begins, the doctor will have you bite on a very thin piece of mylar paper. The mylar paper transfers color to the areas where contact occurs. The doctor will then smooth the area where the marks have been left removing just enough of the tooth or restoration to eliminate the interference. This process will be done on all areas where the mylar paper left color on the tooth until the jaw is able to get into its normal position.

Tags: occlusal adjustment, occlusal adjustment dentistry in Arizona, bruxism, occlusal interference’s, bone loss, tooth loss, receding gums, tempromandibular joint issues, TMJ

SC Dental Offices That Provide This Service

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Surprise Dental Office

SC Dentistry at Marley Park

13954 W. Waddell Road, Suite #112 Surprise, Arizona [85379]
Call Now: 623-889-6000

Hours of Operations:

Monday-Friday (8am to 5pm)
(Friday by appointment only)

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Goodyear Dental Office

SC Dentistry at Palm Valley

1616 N Litchfield Rd, Ste #250, Goodyear, Arizona [85395]
Call Now: 623-925-2220

Hours of Operations:

Monday-Wednesday (8am to 5pm)
Friday (8am to 12 noon)

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Phoenix Dental Office

A Beary Nice Smile

3608 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona [85019]
Call Now: 602-544-2480

Hours of Operations:

Monday-Friday (8am to 5pm)
Friday (8am to 12 noon)

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Glendale Dental Office ❤

SC Dentistry at Arrowhead

20100 North 51st Avenue, Suite #D-410, Glendale, Arizona [85308]
Call Now: 623-582-5998

Hours of Operations:

Monday-Friday (8am to 5pm)
(Friday by appointment only)

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Maryvale Dental Office

A Healthy Smile

4105 North 51st Avenue, Suite #109, Maryvale, Arizona [85031]
Call Now: 623-245-2828

Hours of Operations:

Monday-Thursday (8am to 5pm)
Friday (CLOSED)
Saturday (8am to 12 noon)

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