Learning More About Bite Adjustments and How to Know If You Need One
What is a bite adjustment?
If someone has a bite that is traumatic, it needs to be adjusted or changed. How do you change that? It depends on the problem. The doctor will look at it and decide how to better help you with your incorrect bite.
What is the most common reason for a person to need a bite adjustment, especially after recent procedures like a filling or crown?
If the patient cannot get used to the bite because it is in super occlusion or too big, an adjustment is needed to ensure all the teeth hit equally. Sometimes the patient is numb during the procedure and doesn't feel it right away. When they go home and the numbness wears off, they may feel uncomfortable.
It's very simple; you just come back to get it adjusted. Usually, there is no charge for that, and it's fast and painless.
What symptoms can a patient experience if their bite is not properly aligned?
After recent work, you may feel the bite is off because you feel you're biting on the tooth that had work done more than on other teeth. This is called super occlusion, and the doctor can adjust it to make it equal with the other teeth.
Grinding teeth can destroy tooth structure, and clenching at night can damage the bite, causing joint pain. It's like when your elbow is not in equilibrium; it's uncomfortable. Symptoms include feeling like you've been talking or chewing all night, and getting tired quickly when eating. If you feel this way, seek a dentist's opinion.
How is the bite adjustment performed by a dentist?
The dentist first checks the bite to see where the extra contact is and then adjusts it to make those contacts smaller or lighter. Certain parts of the teeth are supposed to be in contact, and dentists know how to adjust them correctly.
Can orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign fix open bite, overbite, or tight bite?
Yes, it's possible, especially with Invisalign, because it can correct the bite as well.
What is the difference in correcting an open bite or crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when the upper jaw is bigger than the lower jaw, and the upper teeth should be outside the lower teeth. If not, it's a crossbite. Treatment depends on the problem and may involve braces, Invisalign, or jaw surgery, based on the doctor's examination and plan.
Can bite issues be corrected naturally without any dentist or dental intervention?
No, only a dentist can fix that.
What is the typical cost for dental adjustments like that?
If it's right after a restoration, it would be free. However, if you need something like Invisalign to correct your bite, it comes with a price tag. You should ask your dentist, or if you don't have one, you can come here!
I’m here to answer all your questions so we can determine what you need and what could be done about your bite.
Want to learn more? Call Steinway Family Dental Center at (718) 728-3314 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.