Occlusal Disease

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), after cavities and periodontal disease, malocclusion is one of the most important oral health issues. What is malocclusion? Let's start by defining occlusion. Occlusion is the way your upper teeth and lower teeth fit together in a bite. Forms of malocclusion include overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and gapped teeth. If left unchecked, malocclusion can lead to occlusal disease. Keep reading to learn more about occlusal disease and ways to treat it.

A Close-up Look at Occlusal Disease

Occlusal disease can be the result of an abnormal amount of wear on teeth due to malocclusion. Some wear and tear is normal over time, but the amount of wear that causes occlusal disease is not normal. An uneven bite is not the only cause of occlusal disease. Grinding or clenching teeth can also result in occlusal disease. This habit—called bruxism—is subconscious. Grinding and clenching can happen during sleep or during the day, and the person is often unaware that anything is wrong.

Some of the symptoms of occlusal disease include:

  • Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
  • Abnormal enamel wear
  • Sensitivity to hot and/or cold
  • Jaw pain (muscle or bone)
  • Noise related to grating teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Headaches or facial pain
  • Gum recession
  • Bone support loss
  • Shifting teeth/loosening teeth

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important that you mention them to your dentist. Here at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, our thorough exam practices can also reveal if you have any of these symptoms. Routine dental visits are crucial since some of these symptoms are easy to miss. However, comparisons of your teeth from visit to visit can bring symptoms to light.

Treatment of Occlusal Disease

Once diagnosed with occlusal disease, you have a lot to discuss with your dentist. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we can discuss all the options available and help you choose the right solution for you. The first thing your dental professional might suggest for curbing occlusal disease is an occlusal guard. This appliance helps reduce wear on the teeth by limiting grinding and clenching.

An occlusal guard, also known as a nightguard, bite guard, or bite splint, fits over either the upper teeth or the lower teeth. While this guard may not put a stop to any grinding and clenching, it will protect the surface of the teeth. Any headaches, jaw pain, or teeth sensitivity may also be relieved with the use of the occlusal guard. Occlusal guards are available over the counter or online, but a dentist can prepare a custom-made guard.

There are three types of guards. Soft guards are designed for mild cases of bruxism. They are generally easy to get used to wearing. Dual laminate guards meet the needs of moderate to severe teeth grinders. The outside of these guards is hard, while the inside is soft. Hard guards are for severe cases of bruxism. They are made from acrylic and must be tailored to the patient's mouth.

When making any type of guard, the first step is making an impression of the teeth. This is a fairly simple process that takes no more than fifteen minutes. This impression goes to a dental lab, where the guard will be created. It takes about a week for the guard to be completed.

Once the guard is ready, the dentist will check the fit to make sure it's exactly as it should be. It may take a few weeks to become acclimated to wearing this guard on a routine basis. If you've been fitted for a guard and it continues to be uncomfortable or painful, it may not be fitted correctly, and you should contact your dentist right away.

More Acute Cases

If occlusal disease is not discovered soon enough, an occlusal guard may not solve the problem. Wear and tear of the teeth may require more intense measures. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we take occlusal disease very seriously, and we will do whatever it takes to restore your teeth to a healthier state.

It may be necessary to reshape and restore any teeth that have been badly damaged by a period of malocclusion or teeth grinding. In these cases, the chewing and biting surfaces can be ground down to create a better bite. This procedure is called occlusal equilibration. Damaged teeth can also be replaced or reconstructed, depending on the state of the teeth in question.

Orthodontics are an option, too. Braces can be fitted (either traditional braces or Invisalign trays) and then, over time, teeth will hopefully shift into a better position, relieving the pressure of a misaligned bite.

A device called a jaw repositioner can be used to treat a serious case of occlusal disease. This device is worn in a similar way to braces. Just like braces, the jaw repositioner gets tightened and adjusted over time until the teeth are in a better position.

It's possible that your dentist may want you to share your diagnosis with your primary care physician. Your physician may prescribe medication to help lower your stress level and lessen any teeth grinding or clenching. They may also suggest a reduction in the caffeine found in coffee, soda, and chocolate.

Take the Lead

If undiscovered for too long, occlusal disease can cause a lot of damage. Teeth become worn down quickly, and a person could even lose their teeth due to this condition. If the jaw gets involved, that can introduce a higher level of pain.

Left untreated, occlusal disease becomes very costly and complex. In addition to making sure you are seeing your dentist regularly (for adults, it's recommended that you visit every six months), be aware of your mouth and note anything that's giving you discomfort or making you feel concerned. Don't create bigger problems by waiting to see a professional.

Getting the Help You Need

If you think you (or a loved one) are suffering from malocclusion or occlusal disease, don't hesitate to get help. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we are well-equipped both to diagnose occlusal disease and treat it quickly so your bite is exactly as it should be—comfortable and functional. Contact us for an appointment today!