Understanding Bite Adjustments and Why They Are Important
Hello, I'm Dr. Samuel here at Montpelier Family Dentistry, LLC. Today I'll be answering some of the most common questions about bite adjustments.
What is a bite adjustment?
A bite adjustment is basically adjusting the bite, similar to what you would do after a filling or something like that, to ensure your bite is even and feels normal on both sides.
Why would I need a bite adjustment?
One example is if you get a filling done, and we need to make sure your bite is comparable to what it was before. We check your bite and ensure that the opposite side that's not numb feels normal. We want to adjust the filling so that it's the same evenness as it was before.
Another example is after orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign. We want to make sure the bite is even all around. We adjust the bites so we have even marks with the paper that we use all around to ensure that not one side is hitting heavier than the other. It's the same thing with partials, dentures, crowns, and bridges. It's the same idea, just different types of tooth replacements or dental work.
What are the most common reasons people need bite adjustments after dental work like fillings or crowns?
The crown may be made a little bit higher than the original tooth that it's replacing. We have to reshape the crown a bit to ensure the bite is even. The same goes for the filling. When we build the tooth back up, the filling may be a little bit higher than the original tooth structure that was there. We have to adjust it down by polishing it to make sure it's even, like it was before.
What symptoms can patients experience if their bite is not properly aligned?
The main issues are tooth sensitivity and tooth pain. If your bite is uneven, hitting very hard on a part of a tooth that's higher than the rest of your mouth will cause some type of pain or sensitivity over time.
How is a bite adjustment procedure performed by a dentist?
We use special paper that makes marks on your teeth, and we compare and see what areas are higher or off compared to your regular bite. We gently use polishing instruments to polish down the higher areas until the bite is more even.
How do you know if a bite adjustment is needed after veneers, braces, or Invisalign treatment?
We aim to replicate the bite to be as even as possible on both sides, front and back, right and left. We use this as a guide and check with special paper. With veneers, if we've had you in temporaries and the temporaries fit correctly, and the new veneers are made according to the temporaries, minimal bite adjustment is needed.
But if one feels a little off, like you're hitting it first, that's when we would adjust your bite. With orthodontics like Invisalign or braces, we check the bite after treatment is complete and then adjust it so it's balanced on both sides, right, left, front, and back.
Can orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign fix an open bite, overbite, or crossbite?
Yes, all of them can to a degree. Open bite is the one with the most questions regarding Invisalign. There are limitations, but for the most part, they can. Some situations, like crossbites and open bites, may require additional procedures, possibly surgery. Again, it depends on the patient and the situation. It's best to get evaluated by a professional.
What is the difference between correcting an open bite, an overbite, and a crossbite?
All of them have different treatment goals and outcomes. The goal is to make sure the bite is even all around as much as possible. Sometimes surgery is required, sometimes not. It depends on the patient and the case. It's best to get evaluated by a professional.
Can bite issues ever be corrected naturally without dental treatment?
Most likely not. You probably need a dental professional to help you, and it's best not to wait. The longer you wait, the more issues like sensitivity, cold sensitivity, and temperature sensitivity can worsen over time.
What is the typical cost of a bite adjustment, and does dental insurance usually cover it?
The cost depends on the situation. If it's part of your filling, crown, or Invisalign treatment, usually there's no cost involved. If we've done the work, sometimes there is coverage, and sometimes there's not. It just depends on your insurance, so it's best to call and find out.
What advice would you give patients who are experiencing discomfort or pain after recent dental work and think their bite may be off?
Call the dentist and ask them to check your bite sooner rather than later. They can correct it as soon as possible to ensure you don't have sensitivity that lasts for a long period.
Want to learn more? Call Montpelier Family Dentistry, LLC at (301) 812-4599 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.