Occlusal Adjustment / Equilibration
At BeneDental in Norwell, MA, we believe that a healthy smile depends on more than just clean teeth—it requires a balanced bite. Even small irregularities in how your upper and lower teeth fit together can lead to uneven pressure, tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and long-term oral health issues. This condition, often overlooked, can affect everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, and even smiling with confidence. Our dental team provides occlusal adjustment in Norwell, MA, also known as equilibration, to gently fine-tune your bite and restore harmony to your teeth and jaw. With this simple yet precise procedure, we help patients experience relief from discomfort while protecting their smiles for the future.
Occlusal Adjustment in Norwell, MA – Restore Balance to Your Bite
An uneven bite can place excessive force on specific teeth, leading to problems like cracked enamel, broken fillings, receding gums, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) strain. Some patients report chronic headaches, jaw clicking, or difficulty chewing without realizing that the cause is bite misalignment. At BeneDental, our experienced dentists use advanced diagnostic techniques to identify pressure points and imbalances in your bite. With occlusal adjustment in Norwell, MA, we carefully reshape microscopic areas of the tooth surface to ensure your teeth come together evenly. The process is conservative, comfortable, and designed to provide lasting benefits without altering the appearance of your smile.
For many patients, the results of occlusal adjustment in Norwell, MA are noticeable right away. Relief from jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity often begins immediately after treatment, and long-term protection against further wear and tear is a significant advantage. This procedure is especially beneficial for patients who grind their teeth at night, those with existing restorative work such as crowns or bridges, or individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment who need fine-tuning of their bite. By balancing the way your teeth make contact, we help reduce stress on the jaw joints and ensure that every tooth shares the workload evenly. The end result is a healthier, more comfortable bite that enhances your quality of life.
At BeneDental, we are committed to providing personalized care for each patient. When you schedule an appointment for occlusal adjustment in Norwell, MA, we begin with a thorough examination, including bite analysis and digital imaging if needed. After treatment, we continue to monitor your bite during routine checkups to ensure long-term stability. If you are experiencing jaw discomfort, frequent headaches, or signs of uneven tooth wear, you may be an excellent candidate for equilibration. Contact BeneDental today to schedule a consultation and learn how occlusal adjustment in Norwell, MA can restore comfort, protect your smile, and support your overall oral health.
Occlusal Adjustment / Equilibration FAQ’s
How the Occlusal Adjustment Procedure Works?
An occlusal adjustment is a precise procedure that reshapes tiny areas of the biting surfaces of your teeth. Here’s what you can expect:
- Evaluation – We begin with a thorough exam and bite analysis. Using articulating paper and digital bite tests, we identify where pressure points occur when your teeth close together.
- Selective Reshaping – Once problem areas are located, we gently polish and contour the biting surfaces of specific teeth. These subtle adjustments allow all teeth to share pressure evenly.
- Testing and Refinement – After each adjustment, your bite is checked again to confirm balance. The process continues until your teeth fit together properly without strain or interference.
- Follow-Up Care – In some cases, occlusal adjustment is combined with orthodontic treatment, restorative dentistry, or nightguard therapy for bruxism. Follow-up visits help monitor improvements and ensure long-term stability.
Because only microscopic amounts of enamel are removed, the procedure is safe, conservative, and usually completed in a single visit.
Is occlusal adjustment painful?
How do I know if I need occlusal adjustment?
Common signs include uneven tooth wear, frequent headaches, jaw pain, chipped teeth, or difficulty chewing. If you hear clicking in your jaw or feel like your teeth don’t fit together properly, you may benefit from an occlusal adjustment. A professional evaluation can confirm if this treatment is right for you.
Will occlusal adjustment change the look of my teeth?
No. The procedure removes only very small amounts of enamel, so it does not alter the shape or appearance of your smile. Instead, the changes improve how your teeth fit together, leading to better comfort and function without cosmetic impact.
Is occlusal adjustment permanent?
Yes. Once the teeth are reshaped and your bite is balanced, the results are long-lasting. However, changes in dental work, tooth movement, or bruxism (teeth grinding) can alter your bite again over time. In such cases, further evaluation may be needed.