Occlusal Therapy

Occlusal Therapy is used to resolve jaw joint and bite problems.  The way in which teeth meet together is called an occlusion or a bite. The jaw joint, which keeps the bite aligned, consists of a ball that fits snugly into its socket. The jaw joint can move in three dimensions: side-to-side, front to back and up and down. It is this healthy flexibility that allows us to move our lower jaw freely.

Some discrepancies in the bite can cause problems with the teeth, the jaw joints and the muscles that control the opening and closing of the jaws. This may present itself as:

• Facial Muscle Tenderness (which can extend to the neck or shoulders)
• Joint clicking or locking
• Loose teeth
• Migraine Headaches
• TMJ pain aka temporomandibular joint pain
• Tooth pain

Occlusal therapy involving bite analysis, possible splint therapy, and occlusal adjustments can improve these problems and symptoms and often provide a complete solution.