BITE ADJUSTMENT

Following splint therapy, a bite adjustment may be recommended. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function without damage and destruction. It is important to have an even, stabile bite. When you close your teeth together, all of your teeth should hit evenly. There should be no more pressure on one tooth or on an area of teeth. When you move your jaw to the side or forward and backward only the front 6 teeth should touch. If this is not the case, you can put excessive pressure on your joints or on the teeth. This can lead to TMJ problems, worn or pitting teeth, broken restorations or teeth, and sore muscles. This is why it is critical to carefully adjust and design your bite. In order to complete the therapy, it may include:

• Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.
• Braces, to reposition mal-aligned or drifted teeth.
• Replacement of old, worn out or damaged fillings.
• Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth