Bite Adjustment

A healthy bite is one in which all or most teeth are present and functioning without damage under the normal forces of daily use. When bite forces are uneven or excessive, the results accumulate silently — worn teeth, loosening, jaw joint (TMJ) damage, and eventually tooth loss.

Bite therapy restores a bite that can function without ongoing destruction.

Signs of a Destructive Bite

• Visible wear on the biting surfaces of teeth
• Tooth mobility or loosening without gum disease
• Sensitivity to temperature or pressure
• TMJ discomfort, clicking, or limited range of motion
• Headaches, particularly in the morning
• Chipping or fracturing of teeth

Treatment Options

Bite therapy is tailored to each patient's specific situation. Options include:

Occlusal Equilibration

Careful reshaping of the biting surfaces of the teeth to eliminate spots of excessive pressure. The goal is to distribute bite forces evenly across all teeth, removing the concentrated stresses that accelerate wear and damage. This is a highly precise procedure performed with articulating paper and careful clinical judgment.

Bite Splint Therapy

A custom-fitted acrylic bite guard holds the teeth in an optimal position and prevents them from contacting destructively. Depending on the situation, a splint may be worn during the day, at night, or both. Bite splint therapy is often the first step in assessing how the bite responds before more definitive treatment.

Orthodontic Repositioning

When teeth have drifted or are mal-positioned in a way that contributes to uneven bite forces, orthodontic treatment can reposition them into a more favorable relationship.

Restorative Reconstruction

Worn, damaged, or failing restorations that alter the bite surface can be replaced. In cases of severe wear, full mouth reconstruction may be recommended to restore tooth height, protect remaining structure, and reestablish a stable, harmonious bite.

Why Treatment Matters

Left untreated, a destructive bite accelerates wear on all teeth — not just those bearing the greatest load. It also places stress on the supporting bone and gum tissue, and can contribute to TMJ disorders that affect jaw comfort and function. Early intervention is always far less complex and costly than addressing years of accumulated damage.

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