Balancing Your Bite in Charlotte, NC
Imagine Dentistry
“Occlusal equilibration” is a term that describes the balance of the bite. The lower jaw is a u-shaped bone with two joints, one at each end. When the jaw system functions correctly, the lower jaw can freely hinge at the joints and close together, and the lower teeth contact the upper teeth very evenly around the arch. This is what creates a “solid bite.”
Problems can develop when there is a discrepancy in the bite. If any teeth interfere with healthy jaw movement and tooth alignment during the closure, the jaw will have to shift to close fully.
This shifting of the jaw creates stress on the whole system and can result in:
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD).
Muscle tension in your face and jaw.
Headaches.
Severe wear of your natural teeth, as well as loose teeth.
Chipping and breakage of teeth.
Crack lines in teeth.
Gum recession and other associated problems.
Grooves or notches forming on exposed root surfaces.
We use specialized software to evaluate the bite relationship among your teeth and determine how it can be improved. This program shows us ideal alignment for the jaw joints and individual teeth, so we have a roadmap to follow.
If signs of instability are found as we examine your mouth, we then consider occlusal equilibration as a treatment. Molds, or replicas, are created of your teeth, and we work out the intricacies of what needs to change on the models, so we know we have a definitive treatment plan. We then create phases of treatments using the models before we move to treat your actual teeth. We will reshape the biting surfaces of individual teeth, which may be interfering with the proper bite/joint relationship. By making these corrective changes, we can establish a unified and stable system, reducing or eliminating the pain and damage you may have had before.
If you are experiencing worn or chipped teeth, jaw joint discomfort, or headaches, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ann Coambs today. Call us at 704-540-7600 to see if a bite imbalance is the cause.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
