FAQs About Occlusal Adjustment, Occlusal Guard, Occlusal Splint, and Occlusion
Dental problems can be frustrating and painful, especially when they affect the way you chew or bite. Fortunately, there are dental procedures and appliances that can help improve your dental health and alleviate discomfort. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the most common terms and procedures related to occlusion, which is the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth.
What is an occlusal adjustment?
An occlusal adjustment is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to improve the overall bite and prevent excessive wear and tear on the teeth. The dentist will use a special tool to carefully remove small amounts of tooth enamel, which helps redistribute the forces of biting and chewing more evenly across all teeth.
Why would someone need an occlusal adjustment?
If your teeth are misaligned or if your bite is off, you may experience discomfort, pain, or difficulty chewing. An occlusal adjustment can help alleviate these symptoms by improving the way your teeth fit together.
What is an occlusal guard?
An occlusal guard is a removable dental appliance that is worn over the teeth to protect them from damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) or other dental problems. The guard is usually made of soft plastic or acrylic material and is custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth.
Who needs an occlusal guard?
An occlusal guard may be recommended if you grind your teeth at night, if you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or if you have other dental problems that could be causing excessive wear and tear on your teeth.
What is an occlusal splint?
An occlusal splint is another term for a bruxism splint or night guard, which is a dental appliance used to protect the teeth from damage caused by bruxism, clenching, and grinding. It is similar to an occlusal guard in that it is a removable dental appliance made of soft plastic or acrylic material.
What is an occlusal surface?
The occlusal surface is the biting surface of a tooth. It is the part of the tooth that comes into contact with the opposing teeth when biting or chewing.
What is occlusion?
Occlusion refers to the way in which the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed. When the teeth are properly aligned, the forces of biting and chewing are evenly distributed across all teeth, which helps prevent excessive wear and tear on the teeth and gums.
Occlusal adjustment, occlusal guard, occlusal splint, occlusal surface, and occlusion are all related to the way your teeth fit together and how they can be protected from damage caused by dental problems. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain related to your bite or teeth, it’s important to see a dentist who can recommend the best treatment for your needs.
