Bite Adjustment In Philadelphia

Bite Adjustment vs Other Treatment Options

Bite splint therapy uses a custom-fitted plastic guard to keep upper and lower teeth apart. Worn at night or during the day, this guard protects teeth from grinding damage and gives jaw muscles a chance to relax. Many patients need both splint therapy and bite adjustment for complete relief.

Orthodontic treatment with braces repositions misaligned teeth rather than reshaping them. Moving teeth into better alignment may be necessary when the malocclusion is severe or involves multiple teeth. Your doctor determines whether adjustment, braces, or both will achieve the best outcome.

Replacing old fillings restores proper tooth shape when worn restorations have changed your bite over time. Large fillings that have compressed or fractured alter how teeth meet. New restorations rebuild the correct anatomy, often eliminating the need for additional adjustment.

Reconstruction rebuilds badly worn teeth through crowns or other restorations. When excessive wear has dramatically shortened teeth, simple adjustment cannot restore proper bite alignment. Comprehensive reconstruction reestablishes the correct relationship between upper and lower jaws.

Bite Problems and Periodontal Disease

Excessive bite forces damage the bone and gum tissue supporting teeth. This trauma accelerates bone loss in patients with existing gum disease, creating a destructive cycle. The weakened periodontal support cannot withstand the concentrated pressure from a misaligned bite.

Teeth with compromised periodontal support become increasingly loose when subjected to bite trauma. Even mild periodontal disease becomes more destructive when excessive bite forces add mechanical damage to the bacterial infection. Treatment must address both the infection and the bite problem.

Bite adjustment becomes crucial before periodontal surgery. Eliminating excessive forces helps ensure successful healing after procedures like gum grafting, crown lengthening, or osseous surgery. The reduced stress allows tissues to regenerate without the constant trauma of an unbalanced bite.

Dental implants require proper bite alignment for long-term success. Excessive forces on implants can cause the surrounding bone to deteriorate or the implant components to fail. Adjusting the bite before or after implant placement protects your investment and ensures implants function comfortably. Patients considering All-on-X dental implants particularly benefit from proper bite alignment.

What to Expect from Treatment

A thorough examination identifies which teeth receive excessive pressure. Your periodontist evaluates tooth wear patterns, checks jaw joint function, and asks about symptoms like pain or clicking sounds. Digital imaging and X-rays reveal bone loss or other damage from long-term bite problems.

The treatment plan may combine bite adjustment with other therapies. Some patients benefit from wearing a bite splint while undergoing adjustment. Others need periodontal treatment to stabilize teeth before addressing the bite. Patients with gum recession may need tissue grafts alongside bite correction.

The adjustment appointment involves minimal discomfort. Most patients feel only slight pressure as the doctor reshapes tooth surfaces. The procedure removes tiny amounts of enamel that won’t affect tooth strength or appearance. Many people experience immediate improved comfort when biting.

Follow-up visits ensure the adjustment achieves lasting results. Your bite may need minor refinement as muscles and joints adapt to the improved alignment. Regular periodontal maintenance appointments prevent new problems from developing and maintain the comfortable bite you’ve achieved.

Protect Your Teeth with Expert Bite Adjustment at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants

Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Ishita Bhavsar combine periodontal expertise with comprehensive understanding of how bite problems affect your oral health. Their training in both gum disease treatment and reconstructive dentistry ensures your bite adjustment addresses immediate symptoms while protecting long-term dental health.

Whether you’re experiencing jaw pain, noticing uneven tooth wear, or preparing for periodontal treatment, proper bite alignment plays a crucial role in your outcome. Our Philadelphia practice provides thorough evaluation and precise treatment to eliminate excessive forces damaging your teeth and jaw joints. Contact our office today to schedule your bite adjustment consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Adjustment

Does bite adjustment hurt?

Bite adjustment causes minimal to no discomfort for most patients. The procedure removes only microscopic amounts of tooth enamel from the biting surface, which contains no nerves. You feel slight pressure and hear the sound of the polishing instrument, but the process is painless. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity after adjustment as teeth adapt to the new contact pattern, but this typically resolves within a few days without treatment.

How long does a bite adjustment last?

A properly performed bite adjustment provides permanent correction of the specific high spots treated. However, teeth continue to wear naturally over time, and other factors like tooth loss, new dental work, or orthodontic changes can alter your bite later. Most patients maintain their improved bite alignment for many years. Regular dental checkups allow your periodontist to identify and address any new bite problems before they cause significant damage or discomfort.

Can bite adjustment fix TMJ pain?

Bite adjustment often provides significant relief from TMJ pain when a misaligned bite contributes to the jaw joint problems. By redistributing pressure evenly and eliminating high spots that force your jaw into unnatural positions, the adjustment reduces strain on the temporomandibular joint. Many patients notice decreased clicking sounds, improved jaw opening, and less muscle tension. However, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ issues have multiple causes, and some patients need additional treatment like bite splint therapy, physical therapy, or other interventions alongside bite adjustment.

Will insurance cover bite adjustment?

Dental insurance coverage for bite adjustment varies depending on your specific plan and the reason for treatment. When the procedure addresses documented periodontal problems, excessive tooth wear, or preparation for other necessary dental work, many plans provide at least partial coverage. Treatment performed primarily for TMJ symptoms or comfort may have different coverage. Our office verifies your benefits before treatment and provides cost estimates so you understand your financial responsibility.