Don’t Let Bite Issues Damage Your Teeth
Occlusal Disease Treatment at Artistic Touch Dentistry
At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we believe that a healthy, balanced bite is essential to long-term oral wellness. Many patients don’t realize that issues with how their teeth come together (known as occlusion) can lead to serious dental problems over time. This condition, known as occlusal disease, can impact your teeth, jaw, muscles, and overall quality of life. As a trusted Melbourne FL dentist, we offer advanced diagnosis and treatment for occlusal disease to restore comfort, function, and stability to your smile.
What Is Occlusal Disease?
Occlusal disease refers to a misalignment in the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite or chew. Ideally, your bite should distribute force evenly across all teeth. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a wide range of complications, including worn teeth, broken dental restorations, jaw pain, and even chronic headaches.
This condition often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms may mimic other dental or medical issues. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we carefully evaluate your bite and look for subtle signs that could indicate a deeper occlusal problem.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Occlusal disease may affect each patient differently, but some of the most common signs include:
- Worn, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Frequent headaches or facial pain
- Sensitivity to cold or biting pressure
- Loose teeth or shifting bite
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joints (TMJ)
- Jaw or neck pain
- Broken fillings, crowns, or other restorations
- Receding gums or notching near the gumline
If you’ve noticed one or more of these issues, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a Melbourne FL dentist experienced in diagnosing occlusal disease.
The Long-Term Risks of Untreated Occlusal Disease
When left untreated, occlusal disease can lead to serious long-term consequences. Excessive pressure on certain teeth can accelerate enamel wear and lead to cracks, fractures, or even tooth loss. The jaw joints (temporomandibular joints) may become overworked and inflamed, potentially leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Additionally, costly dental restorations such as crowns or bridges may fail prematurely due to uneven bite forces.
Early intervention is key. By addressing occlusal disease at its onset, we can protect your natural teeth, preserve existing dental work, and prevent the development of more complex issues down the road.
How We Diagnose Occlusal Disease
At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we take a comprehensive and detail-oriented approach to diagnosing occlusal disease. During your exam, we’ll evaluate your bite, jaw function, tooth wear patterns, and the overall health of your teeth and gums.
We may use digital imaging, bite analysis tools, and intraoral photography to assess how your teeth come together. Our goal is to identify the root cause of your symptoms — not just treat the surface-level damage. As your Melbourne FL dentist, we are committed to offering you a clear explanation of our findings and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Occlusal Disease Treatment Options
Treating occlusal disease typically involves a combination of strategies that work together to restore balance, function, and comfort. Your treatment plan may include:
- Occlusal Adjustment: This involves gently reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth to allow for even contact and better alignment. It’s a conservative and highly effective method for reducing bite-related stress on your teeth and jaw.
- Custom Night Guards (Occlusal Splints): Many patients with occlusal disease grind or clench their teeth, especially at night. A custom-made night guard can cushion your bite, protect your teeth from wear, and alleviate jaw strain while you sleep.
- Restorative Treatments: In cases where occlusal disease has already caused damage, we may recommend dental crowns, bonding, or other restorations to rebuild worn or broken teeth and restore your bite.
- Orthodontic Solutions: If misalignment is contributing to your bite imbalance, we may explore orthodontic options to reposition your teeth and establish a more harmonious occlusion.
- TMJ Therapy: For patients with jaw pain, clicking, or limited movement, TMJ therapy may be necessary to address joint inflammation and improve jaw function.
Why Choose Artistic Touch Dentistry?
Our team at Artistic Touch Dentistry has the experience and technology to identify and treat occlusal disease with precision and care. As a leading Melbourne FL dentist, we understand the complexity of bite-related disorders and their impact on long-term oral health. We take a proactive approach, combining advanced diagnostics with personalized treatment to restore comfort and function while protecting your teeth for the future.
We are committed to ensuring that every patient receives not only expert care but also clear communication and genuine compassion. You’ll never feel rushed or left in the dark; we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule Your Occlusal Evaluation Today
If you’re experiencing unexplained dental discomfort, jaw pain, or worn teeth, don’t wait. Occlusal disease can cause serious issues when left untreated, but with the right care, it’s manageable and even reversible. Contact Artistic Touch Dentistry today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with a Melbourne FL dentist you can trust. We’ll help you find long-lasting relief and get your bite — and your smile — back in balance.