DENTAL BITE ADJUSTMENTS

PREDICTABLY HELPING TEETH LAST

Helping Jaw Joints and Muscles Predictably Relax

Why Would I Need a Bite Equilibration / Bite Adjustment?

If you have ever fractured a tooth, it is rarely by happen-stance. Typically, you tooth has been undergoing pressure from clenching and eventually breaking while eating food or after a night of stressful sleep full of clenching or grinding.

If a particular tooth is high, the muscles of the face continue to tighten, forcing teeth to rub against one-another on the highest point on the highest spot of your teeth until your jaw joint is happy.

If one of your teeth has a silver filling, it is typically one of the first to form a fracture, which then spreads, like a crack along a windshield. Eventually breaking the skinniest portion of the tooth or going below the gum line.

At Open Late Dentistry, we perform "occlusal analysis" on adult teeth all of the time as part of our New Patient Appointments, evaluating your teeth for a "heavy bite", where one tooth may be taking the load of several teeth, leading to fracture and costly dental repairs down the road.

A Reading of a Dental Patient's Bite Showing Where It Is Highest in Red, Leading to More Stressed Placed on That Tooth. Chewing Forces Can Be Better Distributed During the Day With Straight Teeth and At Night With a Nightguard to "Level" Out the Bite.

Am I a Candidate for a Bite Equilibration / Bite Adjustment?

  • Experiencing a pop in your jaw joint that has been present for years when you open?

  • Tense muscles that keep your teeth together throughout the day?

  • Noticing your teeth are appearing worn?

Sometimes your tooth may require treatment already due to a cavity or crack, but sometimes this is only an indication of a more chronic, comprehensive problem.

At Open Late Dentistry and Orthodontics, we believe part of a healthy smile la by having a healthy bite.

An occlusal adjustment may be recommended to correct the alignment of the bite if loose, shifting, crowded, or missing teeth are affecting the remaining teeth.

Our Clear Orthodontic Trays are also a great way to fix teeth that have rotated to due a heavy bite. This makes each tooth "straighten up" and "pull its own weight to contribute to chewing power when you go to eat or during stressful times of the day.

Digitally Planned Night Guards at Open Late Dentistry and Orthodontics help for the roughly 8 hours that Americans spend asleep.

However during the day we recommend having a bite that will hold up to the stress of work and family like that you endure.

An Investment in a steady, even bite will ensure your front teeth are not being over worked when your back teeth are doing their part.

The result is an evenly distributed bite that eliminates irregular pressure on one side of the mouth.

Once your bite is adjusted, your teeth will meet properly. Occlusal adjustment causes minimal pain, and only a little discomfort.

The adjustment is made by using the latest in technology.

Dr. Rouse utilizes a 3D Scanning computer scan of the mouth, which records hundreds of bite registrations per minute, and show both you and us the tooth that is hitting highest, noting even the slightest irregularity.

That data allows the dentist to make only the adjustments that are absolutely necessary, which ensures a well aligned bite and minimal tooth wear.

A dental polisher is then used to level the bite. Another scan is performed to ensure all teeth are coming together accurately.

A deprogrammer, a dental instrument, may be used to have you bite on and relax the jaw muscles before any adjustment is completed.

CLEAR ORTHODONTIC TRAY F.A.Q.'s

Will I Have to Change My Diet?

The simple answer is no. This is one of the best benefits of using clear aligners. Unlike conventional braces, you can take off the clear aligner tray whenever you feel like eating.  However, it is advisable to avoid foods that are dark-colored such as wine or coffee as they might stain them. Also, sticky foods that might get stuck between the tray and your teeth are not a good idea. Nonetheless, if you clean your teeth and aligners as directed, your diet should not change.

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How Long Do They Take to Align Teeth?

The length of time clear aligners takes to straighten your teeth varies depending on the severity of your situation. However, most people end up using them for about half a year in mild cases. However, it might take about a year to 18 months for moderate to severe cases.

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How Often Must I Wear My Clear Aligners?

One of the great things about clear aligners is that you can take them out when you need to. However, it is important to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day to ensure that they are effective. This means that you should only take them out for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. You may also want to remove them for special occasions, such as a wedding or job interview. If you do not wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time, your treatment may be extended by several months.

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OFFICE HOURS

TUESDAY: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

THURSDAY: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

FRIDAY: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SATURDAY: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

(By Appointment Only)

Contact Us

TEXT us at: 972-885-9670

Mail us at: [email protected]