Learning More About Bite Adjustments and Why You May Need One
Hi, I'm Dr. Amy here at Boulder Canyon Dental, and today I'm going to go over a lot of common questions we get about bite adjustments.
Dr. Amy, what is a bite adjustment?
A bite adjustment simply refers to us removing a small portion of either porcelain, filling material, or even enamel so that the teeth can close more comfortably.
Why would I need a bite adjustment?
You may need a bite adjustment if a recent restoration is sitting uncomfortably. It could be excessive wear on other teeth or it could be after orthodontic treatment if teeth have worn unevenly.
What are the most common reasons people need a bite adjustment after dental work like fillings or crowns?
The most common reason someone may need a bite adjustment after recent dental work is because of the anesthetic used during the treatment. Often, if the whole side of your jaw is numb or even a small portion on the upper part, it could throw off your equilibrium, and your jaw isn't closing the way it normally does. Once the anesthetic wears off, you're able to close comfortably, and then you'll notice that tooth sitting a little awkwardly.
What symptoms can patients experience if their bite is not properly aligned?
The symptoms you may experience if your bite is not properly aligned include slowly closing and feeling one tooth hit before the others. It could also be as subtle as a tooth being more sensitive to cold or hot, or it could even be a tender point after eating a meal.
How is a bite adjustment procedure performed by a dentist?
A bite adjustment procedure is performed by a dentist by first marking the teeth with wax paper. That is how we're able to see exactly where that tooth is hitting uncomfortably. We then utilize our handpieces to remove the excess material and smooth everything off so it's nice and comfortable, like porcelain glass.
How do you know if a bite adjustment is needed after veneers, braces or Invisalign treatment?
You would know a bite adjustment is needed after a procedure such as veneers, Invisalign, or orthodontic treatment if your bite does not feel completely balanced. Often, patients will come in and say, "It feels like this tooth is hitting too hard," or "It feels like this side is closing, but that one can't." We then utilize our wax paper and instruments to ensure we're seeing exactly what you're feeling and correct that for you.
Can orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign fix an open bite, overbite, or crossbite?
Orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign or traditional braces can absolutely correct an open bite, crossbite, or overbite. Sometimes we may suggest more comprehensive evaluations, including input from an oral surgeon for an open bite. However, most common ones are as simple as clear aligners.
What is the difference between correcting an open bite, an overbite, and a crossbite?
The difference between correcting an open bite, overbite, and crossbite is really where the teeth are sitting uncomfortably.
- An open bite occurs when the back teeth touch, and the front teeth do not. We would correct that by pulling those teeth down.
- A crossbite refers to the jaw sitting over one side where it shouldn't be, so the tooth that's supposed to be towards the cheek is actually towards the tongue and vice versa.
- An overbite simply means when you close down, those top teeth cover more of the bottom teeth than we want them to. Often, it's as easy as opening up the bite by pushing those teeth in with the aligners.
Can bite issues ever be corrected naturally without dental treatment?
The only correction for a bite issue without any dental intervention is going to be something problematic, such as a cracking tooth, excessive wear in a tooth, and a lot of sensitivity from the ligament holding the tooth. We always recommend that at the first sign of something uncomfortable, you call us. You don't want to wait until it's painful.
What is the typical cost of a bite adjustment, and does dental insurance usually cover it?
The typical cost of a bite adjustment really relates to what it's for. At [pracitce:name], if it's coming from a recent crown or filling, that is included in the fee you've already paid. Often, if it's after moving the teeth with aligners, that's also included in the fee that you've already paid.
If it's someone who's had excessive wear over time and now their bite is sitting uncomfortably, normally that is covered by dental insurance.
What advice would you give patients who are experiencing discomfort or pain after recent dental work and think that their bite may be off?
Any patient experiencing bite or discomfort after recent dental work and who thinks their bite may be off should absolutely call your dentist today. You want to correct that while it's an annoying problem and not wait until it becomes painful and a bigger problem.
In any kind of misalignment with the teeth, it always starts really subtly, and that's when we want you to call us, not waiting until that tooth is just lighting up when you're having that ice water.
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Boulder Canyon Dental, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (970) 514-0662 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.