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Restore Balance to Your Bite and Alleviate Discomfort

Occlusal adjustment is a dental procedure that fine-tunes the way your teeth come together when you bite. Misaligned teeth or an uneven bite can cause jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), headaches, and excessive tooth wear. By reshaping small areas of enamel or adjusting dental restorations, Dr. Rashti ensures your bite is balanced and functions harmoniously. This helps prevent further damage, reduce discomfort, and protect your teeth from long-term wear.

Benefits of Occlusal Adjustment:

  • Reduces jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ discomfort
  • Prevents teeth grinding (bruxism) and excessive wear
  • Enhances chewing efficiency and overall comfort
  • Protects dental restorations from premature damage
  • Minimizes tooth sensitivity caused by uneven pressure
  • Helps prevent future dental complications and misalignment
  • Supports long-term oral health and stability
  • Improves bite function for a more natural feel

The Occlusal Adjustment Process

During an occlusal adjustment, Dr. Rashti begins by analyzing how your teeth fit together when you bite. She uses articulating paper, a thin colored film that marks high-contact areas, along with digital bite analysis tools to identify uneven pressure points. These points, called premature contacts, cause stress on the teeth and jaw, leading to pain, excessive wear, or cracked teeth. She may also use a T-Scan, a digital sensor that precisely measures bite force distribution.

Once the problem areas are identified, Dr. Rashti carefully reshapes microscopic amounts of enamel from select teeth using a fine dental bur or polishing tool. If your bite issues stem from dental restorations (like crowns or fillings), she may adjust those instead. After each adjustment, she rechecks your bite, ensuring your teeth come together evenly. The goal is to achieve a balanced bite that eliminates strain, reduces grinding, and improved long-term oral health.

How Do I Know if I Need an Occlusal Adjustment?

If you experience jaw pain, headaches, uneven tooth wear, sensitivity, or frequent chipping or cracking of teeth, you may have an imbalanced bite. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and difficulty chewing can also indicate bite misalignment. Dr. Rashti performs a thorough bite analysis to determine if occlusal adjustment is right for you.

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Occlusal Adjustment FAQs

Is Occlusal Adjustment Painful?

No, the procedure is gentle and painless. Since only small amounts of enamel or restorative material are reshaped, there is no need for anesthesia in most cases. Patients often feel immediate relief from pressure points and jaw strain after the adjustment.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

A typical occlusal adjustment session lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent of correction needed. Some patients may require multiple visits for gradual, precise adjustments.

Will My Teeth Feel Different After the Adjustment?

Yes, but in a good way. After treatment, your bite will feel more even and natural, reducing strain on your jaw and preventing unnecessary wear on your teeth. Some patients may need a short adjustment period to adapt, but any changes feel comfortable within a few days.

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Why You Should Choose Us

MR Dental Aesthetics is a boutique dental practice that prioritizes quality over volume, ensuring every patient receives personalized attention. Dr. Mahnaz Rashti takes the time to carefully evaluate your bite, explain your options, and tailor treatments to your unique needs. She believes in open communication and patient education, so you feel confident in your care. If you’re experiencing discomfort or bite issues, schedule your consultation today.

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