Occlusal adjustment and selective grinding
Selective grinding of premature contacts between the teeth to balance the bite and how chewing forces are distributed.
What is an occlusal adjustment?
Occlusal adjustment, also known as bite adjustment, is a dental procedure performed to correct and balance the bite or the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. The main objective of occlusal adjustment is to achieve a balanced and stable occlusion, that is, a bite in which the teeth contact adequately and in a balanced manner during different oral functions, such as chewing and speaking.
During occlusal adjustment, the dentist will evaluate the patient's occlusion through a clinical examination and, in some cases, the use of occlusal records and bite analysis. They will identify premature contact points, areas of occlusal interference, and imbalances in occlusal load distribution. These irregularities can cause problems such as excessive dental wear, pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), difficulty chewing, headaches, and other symptoms related to incorrect bite.
The dentist will use different techniques and tools to perform the occlusal adjustment, such as selective grinding of high contact points or occlusal interferences, correction of tooth inclination or height, and redistribution of occlusal load to achieve a balanced occlusion.
What is the selective grinding procedure like?
Selective grinding, also known as selective wear, is a dental procedure used in occlusal adjustment to correct high contact points or occlusal interferences on teeth. The main objective of selective grinding is to balance the occlusion and achieve uniform distribution of occlusal load.
The selective grinding procedure generally follows these steps:
- Occlusion evaluation: The dentist performs a detailed evaluation of the patient's occlusion to identify high contact points and occlusal interferences. This can be done through a clinical examination, occlusal records, and bite analysis.
- Determination of grinding areas: Based on the occlusion evaluation, the dentist determines the specific areas that require selective grinding. These areas may be where contact points are too high, where there are occlusal interferences, or where the occlusal load is unbalanced.
- Grinding of high contact points: Using appropriate dental instruments, such as burs or diamond stones, the dentist performs selective grinding on high contact points. This involves removing small amounts of dental material from the occlusal surfaces of the teeth to reduce high contact points and achieve a more balanced occlusion.
- Verification and adjustment: After selective grinding, the dentist verifies the occlusion again to evaluate the balance and distribution of occlusal load. If necessary, additional adjustments are made to ensure proper occlusion.
- Follow-up: After the selective grinding procedure, the patient may be recommended a follow-up phase to evaluate the occlusion response and make additional adjustments if necessary.
It is important to note that selective grinding should be performed by an experienced and trained dentist in this technique to avoid over-removal of dental tissue and ensure optimal results. Each case is unique, and the approach to selective grinding may vary according to the individual needs of the patient.
Within the bruxism protocol, occlusal adjustment can be combined with an occlusal splint (night guard). If you also clench or grind your teeth, the adjustment becomes part of a tailored bruxism and TMJ protocol. If wear has already reduced the height of your teeth, reconstruction of worn teeth is used to restore their height and shape.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of selective grinding?
Occlusal adjustment, also known as bite adjustment, is a dental procedure aimed at correcting and balancing the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. It focuses on achieving a balanced and stable occlusion, which directly affects oral function during activities such as chewing and speaking.
Benefits:
Function improvement
By correcting the occlusion, the ability to chew and speak efficiently is improved.
Symptom relief
Occlusal adjustment can relieve TMJ pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with incorrect bite.
Tooth protection
By balancing the occlusal load, excessive tooth wear is reduced and the risk of dental fractures is avoided.
Long-term stability
Proper occlusal adjustment provides a stable occlusion, which helps prevent future problems related to incorrect bite.
Contraindications or disadvantages: none. It is important to note that occlusal adjustment should be performed by an experienced and trained dentist in this technique to ensure optimal results and avoid possible complications. Each case is unique, and the approach to occlusal adjustment may vary according to the individual needs of the patient.
What is the success rate of occlusal adjustment?
What are the benefits of having occlusal adjustment at ENIQ?
Having occlusal adjustment with technology can offer several benefits compared to traditional methods. Some of these benefits include:
- Precision and accuracy Advanced technology, such as digital dentistry and intraoral scanning systems, allows for precise and detailed measurement of occlusion. This helps identify high contact points and occlusal interferences more accurately, which facilitates more precise adjustment.
- Real-time visualization With the help of technologies such as intraoral scanners and 3D visualization programs, dentists and patients can see the occlusion image in real-time and the changes made during adjustment. This allows better understanding and patient participation in the treatment process.
- Efficiency and speed The use of technology can speed up the occlusal adjustment process, as it eliminates the need to take traditional impressions and perform prolonged manual adjustments. Digital systems allow for quick scanning and instant visualization of occlusion, reducing the time needed to complete the procedure.
- Less discomfort for the patient The use of modern technology can minimize the need for invasive procedures and reduce discomfort for the patient. For example, intraoral scanners eliminate the need to take impressions with uncomfortable materials, and precise adjustments minimize the need for additional grinding.
- Predictable and aesthetic results Advanced technology allows for virtual planning and simulation of occlusion changes before making any adjustment. This allows predicting and foreseeing the final results, leading to more predictable and aesthetic treatment.
It is important to note that the choice to use technology in occlusal adjustment depends on the availability of equipment and the dentist's training. Not all cases will require the use of technology, and the decision should be based on the individual evaluation of each patient.
What is the price of an occlusal adjustment?
Experience the comfort of a balanced smile. Our occlusal adjustment service offers you dental harmony and well-being. Recover the balance of your bite from €250.
Occlusal adjustment
Dental Adjustment
Experience the comfort of a balanced smile. Our occlusal adjustment service offers you dental harmony and well-being. Recover the balance of your bite from €250.
All inclusive
Frequently asked questions about occlusal adjustment
Get answers about occlusal adjustment in Madrid. customer service.
It is a dental procedure that corrects and balances the bite, that is, the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. The dentist locates premature contact points and occlusal interferences and corrects them so that the load is spread evenly when chewing and speaking. This can relieve TMJ pain, headaches and tooth wear associated with an incorrect bite.
Selective grinding, also known as selective wear, is the occlusal adjustment technique used to correct high contact points and occlusal interferences. Using dental burs or diamond stones, small amounts of tooth material are removed from the chewing surfaces until the bite is balanced; the bite is then checked again and further adjustments are made if needed.
At ENIQ Clinic, occlusal adjustment starts from €250, subject to the specialist's assessment depending on the complexity of the case. In general, the procedure is completed in one or two appointments.
Occlusal adjustment has no contraindications or disadvantages as such, provided it is performed by a dentist who is experienced and trained in the technique, so that no more tooth tissue than necessary is removed. Afterwards there may be slight, temporary sensitivity in the adjusted teeth, which usually disappears within a few days. Each case is unique and is assessed individually.
The number of appointments necessary to perform an occlusal adjustment can vary according to the complexity of the case. In general, the procedure can be completed in one or two appointments. The first appointment includes the evaluation and initial adjustment, while a second appointment may be necessary to verify the results and make additional adjustments if necessary.
After occlusal adjustment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and follow your dentist's recommendations. There may be temporary slight sensitivity in the adjusted teeth, but this usually disappears within a few days. If you experience persistent discomfort or any problem, you should contact your dentist for an evaluation.
No, this procedure is performed painlessly, without the need for anesthesia. It is carried out with precision to improve the patient's comfort when chewing and speaking.