Bite Analysis and Balancing

Your occlusion, or “bite”, refers to the way your teeth meet when they come together.  In an ideal bite, there is even pressure on all of your back teeth when  your jaw is sitting properly in its socket. When a bite is unbalanced, your chewing muscles must compensate for the way teeth fit together, putting stress on the muscles, teeth and jaw joint.

Over time, a misaligned bite may result in a variety of issues including:

• Loose teeth
• Worn teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Damage to existing dental restorations
• Receding gums
• Jaw pain and damage to theTMJ disc

A simple example of how your occlusion works can be seen when your dentist does a filling or a crown.  When completed, the restored tooth must be the correct shape and height so that it fits in with the other teeth when chewing.  If it doesn't fit properly when you chew, it can cause tooth sensitivity, tooth fracture, gum recession, or tooth pain leading to root canal treatment.  It can even result in TMJ and chewing muscle pain!

Many people are unaware that they have a bite issue.  Some things to look for that may indicate that you have a problem include: 



• Pain if you clench your teeth together
• Discomfort in your jaw joint, jaw muscles or near your ears
• Worn-down teeth
• Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
• Broken teeth or fillings
• Upper teeth that fall behind the lower teeth (underbite)
• Upper teeth that cover most or all of the lower front teeth (overbite)

Early diagnosis and treatment of occlusal issues is very important as it can prevent further damage to the teeth, dental restorations, muscles and joints. 

The first step in addressing a bite problem is to undergo a full examination of your occlusion. The dentist will look at how your teeth come together when you bite and for clues of an unstable bite such as:



• TMJ joint pain and clicking
• Loose teeth
• Excessive wear on teeth
• Movement of teeth
• Lack of harmony between your jaw joint and bite

If a bite issue is suspected or if complex dental work is planned, your dentist may suggest taking impressions or doing a 3D digital scan of your teeth to analyze your bite and make a plan for long term stabilization and comfort.

If an occlusal issue is detected and you have signs of an unstable bite, your dentist may suggest changing or adjusting your occlusion.  The goal of any occlusal treatment is to make the teeth hit evenly and in harmony with the jaw joint. The type and degree of occlusal treatment required depends on how far your bite is out of alignment.  Treatment can range from simply adjusting the height of one or two teeth to more involved treatment including:

• Wearing a bite appliance or deprogrammer to determine your most relaxed jaw position
• Reshaping or “equilibrating” your teeth
• Rebuilding your teeth with dental restorations (crowns or bridges)
• Moving your teeth with braces (orthodontics)

When more major dental work is planned, like multiple crowns or full mouth reconstruction, it is even more important that all the teeth fit together properly, and that your bite is in harmony with your jaw joint.  A balanced bite is the key to long term comfort and success of dental treatment including: 

• Cosmetic dentistry 
• Multiple crowns
• Full mouth reconstruction
• Periodontal treatment
• Dental implants 
  

Bite Balancing or “Equilibration”

As mentioned above, if teeth are mildly misaligned, “equilibration” or bite balancing is the treatment of choice. Equilibration involves reshaping a small amount of tooth enamel on many teeth to create a bite that is in harmony with the chewing muscles and jaw joints. It is an exacting process carried out by your dentist, often after using a retainer-like appliance called a deprogrammer.  After the procedure, your teeth may feel rough for a few days and, although rare, may be sensitive for a short time.