Bite Correction

The way your upper and lower teeth come together affects not only comfort but the long-term health of your teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles. Bite correction covers a range of approaches that improve the occlusion, the way upper and lower teeth meet when you bite and chew.

An improper bite, or malocclusion, can develop for many reasons: tooth loss, worn or shifted teeth, jaw development, or habits like clenching and grinding. When teeth do not meet evenly, some teeth absorb more force than others. Over time, that uneven load can cause faster tooth wear, damage to restorations, jaw discomfort, and headaches.

Bite issues are not always obvious, but these signs are worth discussing with the dentist:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), especially during sleep
• Jaw pain, soreness, or clicking and popping in the jaw joint
• Uneven or fast tooth wear, such as flat edges, chipped enamel, or worn cusps
• Headaches, especially in the morning or after stressful periods
• Tooth sensitivity with no obvious cause such as decay or gum recession

The right approach depends on how severe the bite issue is and what is causing it. Options include:

Occlusal equilibration

Minor reshaping of biting surfaces so the teeth meet more evenly. This is usually done by selectively adjusting high spots found during an examination, and it is best suited to mild bite discrepancies.

Night guards (occlusal splints)

Custom-fitted appliances worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding or clenching. They do not correct the underlying bite, but they can greatly reduce tooth wear and related jaw discomfort.

Orthodontic treatment

For more significant bite issues, moving teeth into better alignment with clear aligners or braces may be the most appropriate treatment.

Restorations

When bite problems are linked to worn, missing, or damaged teeth, restoring proper tooth height and contact with crowns, onlays, or other restorations may be part of the plan.

Bite assessment is a routine part of a comprehensive dental exam. The dentist looks for signs of uneven wear, checks how your teeth meet, and asks about symptoms such as jaw discomfort or headaches. Catching bite issues early often means simpler treatment options.

Bite problems can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, such as discomfort, clicking, or limited movement in the jaw joint. If you have jaw-related symptoms, ask about a TMJ assessment at your next visit. Addressing the bite is often part of managing TMJ concerns.