Occlusal adjustment in Marietta, GA
Fix Uneven Bite & Jaw Pain
Does Your Bite Feel Off?
If your teeth don’t come together evenly, you may need an occlusal adjustment. Many patients describe this as:
“My bite feels off”
“One tooth hits first”
“My bite feels high after a crown”
“I have jaw pain when chewing”
At La Vita Dental Arts, we specialize in precise occlusal adjustments to restore balance, relieve discomfort, and protect your teeth long-term.
What Is an Occlusal Adjustment?
Dentist and Prosthodontist in Marietta, GA
An occlusal adjustment is a conservative dental procedure that reshapes specific areas of your teeth so they come together evenly when you bite.
Also commonly referred to as:
- Bite adjustment
- Bite correction
- Occlusion balancing
By correcting how your teeth contact each other, we reduce excessive pressure on certain teeth and muscles.
Signs You May Need an Occlusal Adjustment
You may benefit from treatment if you experience:
- Bite feels uneven or “off”
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Jaw pain or tightness (TMJ symptoms)
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Teeth hitting first or shifting
- High bite after a crown or filling
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Sensitivity when biting
Occlusal Adjustment for TMJ and Jaw Pain
An uneven bite is a major contributor to TMJ discomfort and muscle strain.
A properly performed occlusal adjustment can:
- Reduce jaw tension and inflammation
- Improve how your jaw functions
- Decrease headaches and facial pain
- Prevent long-term joint damage
High Bite After a Crown or Filling?
This is one of the most common reasons patients need an occlusal adjustment.
If your bite feels high after dental work:
- It can cause pain quickly
- It may lead to fractures or sensitivity
- It should be corrected as soon as possible
We can precisely adjust your bite so it feels natural again.
How does T-Scan help with bite adjustments?
T-Scan helps guide bite adjustments by recording when your teeth contact and how biting forces are distributed. While traditional bite paper marks contact locations, T-Scan digital bite analysis adds information about contact timing and relative force, helping Dr. J. Tony Sierra, DDS, MS, identify early contacts and uneven biting patterns. Combined with a clinical examination, it supports decisions about whether an occlusal adjustment is appropriate and helps compare contacts before and after treatment. At La Vita Dental Arts in Marietta, GA, Dr. Sierra uses this technology to evaluate bite concerns for patients from Atlanta and surrounding areas.
Which Is Right for You?
What to Expect During an Occlusal Adjustment
The procedure is simple and comfortable:
- We evaluate your bite using clinical and digital methods
- Identify areas of excessive pressure
- Make micro-adjustments to the enamel
- Re-check your bite for even contact
Most patients experience immediate improvement.
Benefits of Occlusal Adjustment
- Relieves tooth and jaw pain
- Fixes uneven bite and pressure points
- Prevents tooth damage and fractures
- Improves chewing comfort
- Extends the life of crowns, veneers, and implants
Why Choose a Prosthodontist for a Bite Adjustment
Rebuild Your Smile, Restore Your Bite, and Improve Everyday Comfort
Prosthodontists receive advanced specialty training in restoring teeth and evaluating how teeth and restorations function together. Dr. J. Tony Sierra, DDS, MS, is a prosthodontist in Marietta, GA, who evaluates bite concerns involving natural teeth, crowns, bridges, dental implants, and complex rehabilitations. His approach combines a thorough examination with digital tools, including T-Scan when appropriate, to guide treatment recommendations.
Our Philosophy: Conservative, Precise, and Functional
At La Vita Dental Arts, we take a prosthodontic approach to occlusion.
That means:
- We preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible
- We analyze your bite carefully before making changes
- We focus on long-term stability, not quick fixes
Marietta Dentist
Book Your Visit
We’re excited to welcome you to our practice. From preventive care to advanced treatments, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your visit today and discover the difference compassionate dentistry can make.
FAQ
How do I know if I need a bite adjustment?
If one tooth touches first, your bite feels uneven, or you experience discomfort when chewing after dental work, you may benefit from a bite evaluation. Dr. Sierra examines your teeth, restorations, and jaw function and may use T-Scan digital bite analysis to gather additional information about your tooth contacts.
Why does my bite feel uneven after a crown or filling?
A crown or filling may have a high spot that touches before your other teeth. A bite adjustment after a crown or filling may address this interference. Dr. Sierra evaluates the restoration and underlying tooth first, since discomfort can also result from inflammation, a crack, a poorly fitting crown or another dental condition.
Should a high crown be adjusted instead of my natural teeth?
When a new crown causes an uneven bite, its fit, shape, and contacts should be evaluated first. Treatment often involves adjusting and polishing the crown. Reshaping a healthy opposing tooth requires a separate clinical reason and a discussion of alternatives.
Can T-Scan evaluate my bite around dental implants and bridges?
Yes. T-Scan bite analysis can help assess the timing and relative force distribution of contacts involving natural teeth, implant crowns, and dental bridges. Dr. Sierra uses these findings alongside his examination to assess how your restorations function together, including during full mouth reconstruction.
What is the difference between a bite adjustment and occlusal equilibration?
A bite adjustment may correct a single high contact, while occlusal equilibration generally involves a planned series of adjustments across multiple tooth contacts. Both require a careful assessment because removing tooth structure or restorative material creates a permanent change.
Does a bite adjustment hurt?
Minor bite adjustments are often well tolerated and may not require anesthesia, particularly when adjusting a restoration. If you have tooth sensitivity or discomfort, Dr. Sierra will evaluate the cause and discuss how to keep you comfortable during treatment.
Can bite adjustments help with TMJ pain or teeth grinding?
Jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding can have several causes. An occlusal adjustment is not a proven treatment for temporomandibular disorders and does not reliably stop grinding or clenching. T-Scan can provide information about tooth contacts, but it does not independently diagnose these conditions or establish the need for treatment.
Where can I get bite adjustments and T-Scan analysis near Atlanta?
La Vita Dental Arts in Marietta, GA, serves patients from Atlanta and surrounding areas. If your bite feels uneven, a crown feels too high, or your teeth do not meet comfortably, schedule a bite evaluation with Dr. J. Tony Sierra, DDS, MS, to identify the cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Hear from our patients
Prosthodontist serving patients from Marietta, Atlanta, and surrounding communities
Schedule a Consultation
Does your bite feel uneven or uncomfortable? Schedule a consultation with Dr. J. Tony Sierra, DDS, MS, at La Vita Dental Arts in Marietta. We’ll evaluate how your teeth come together and determine whether an occlusal adjustment could help improve your comfort and function. Serving Marietta, Atlanta, and surrounding areas.
