Occlusal Adjustment Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Occlusal Adjustment Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Occlusion is a term that means how the teeth in your upper and lower jaw fit together, or put another way, your bite. When you close your mouth, the entirety of each arch in your bottom and top teeth should make contact at the same time. When some of your teeth make contact before the others, this is known as malocclusion. If left uncorrected for too long, malocclusion can result in extra pressure being placed on your teeth, which will eventually result in more serious oral health issues over time. Individuals who have a malocclusion may be good candidates for an occlusal adjustment, a procedure or series of procedures that are designed to realign your bite, which in turn will lessen the strain on the bone and jaw joints and relieve your teeth of excess pressure. Occlusal adjustment is typically performed in addition to prosthodontic reconstruction or as a treatment method for TMJ syndrome.
If left untreated, malocclusion can result in a range of oral health issues, including the following:
- Bruxism
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues
- Damaged dental restorations
- Gum or bone recession
- Damaged muscles or nerves
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Tooth/teeth loss
- Jawbone or tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Contact Precision Today
Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Occlusal Adjustment Candidates
To determine if you are a good candidate for occlusal adjustment, your periodontist will check to see if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Prematurity: Opposing teeth making contact before the jaw is shut completely
- Interference: Desired contact between your teeth is altered or inhibited
- Disharmony: Opposing teeth do not properly align
- Trauma: Trauma can cause opposing teeth to be off axis, which can cause damage to the tissue when making contact
If any of these issues are present, there can be serious side effects, including migraines or severe headaches, bruxism, neckaches, joint or muscle spasms in your neck, jaw or face, as well as negative effects on the aesthetics of your smile, which can impact your self-confidence. If it is determined that these symptoms are present and the result of issues related to your bite, your periodontist may recommend an occlusal adjustment.
Occlusal Adjustment Expectations
There are several different methods for performing an occlusal adjustment. Which treatment option is right for you will depend on the source of your malocclusion. To determine which treatment method is right for you, your periodontist will make an impression of your bite to determine the source of your issue. Most of the time, malocclusion can be corrected by removing microscopic layers from your teeth, which will allow your teeth to meet at the same time. As these layers are removed, your periodontist will continue testing your bite until they are satisfied that your occlusion has been corrected. This is a simple and relatively pain free procedure that does not typically require anesthesia.
Another method for adjusting your bite and correcting malocclusion is to repair chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. In some cases, replacing old dental fillings can also help correct your bite. Dental crowns can be used to give your tooth more depth and dental fillings can help reshape teeth that are chipped. Another method commonly used to reposition or realign teeth is using orthodontic devices. For more severe cases of misalignment, you may require prolonged treatment with orthodontic appliances such as Invisalign or braces; however, if only small movements are needed, there may be alternative treatment options available to correct the issue in a shorter amount of time. Which treatment option is right for you will ultimately be determined by your periodontist and you.
Occlusal Adjustment Cost
The cost of an occlusal adjustment will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) was used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office, you can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule an appointment for an occlusal adjustment, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!