Bite Adjustment

What Is a Bite Adjustment? (And Why It’s So Important)

You know that feeling when you bite down and something just feels… off? Like one tooth is hitting before all the others? That's your bite telling you it needs an adjustment. In dental terms, we call it an occlusal adjustment, but really, it's about making sure all your teeth play nicely together.

When you get a new crown, even a fraction of a millimeter too high can feel like a mountain to your jaw. Your mouth is incredibly sensitive and can detect differences as small as a human hair. That's why the "bite check" part of your crown appointment is so meticulous. We're not being picky; we're ensuring your comfort and protecting your investment.

Why Your Bite Matters More Than You Think

When patients ask, "Can't I just get used to it?" we explain why a proper bite is about so much more than temporary discomfort. Your jaw is a powerful machine, and when all that force hits one high spot first, something eventually has to give.

Your jaw will subconsciously try to avoid that high crown, leading to a cascade of problems:

• Jaw muscle fatigue and tension headaches
• Clicking, popping, or pain in your jaw joint (TMJ)
• Cracked teeth or porcelain (often on the opposite side of your mouth!)
• Premature or excessive wear on other healthy teeth

A properly adjusted crown can last for decades. A crown that’s taking too much pressure? We've seen them fail in under five years.

The "Domino Effect" of a Bad Bite

We see this progression all the time with work done elsewhere, where patients were told to "just give it time."

• Week 1: "It feels a little high, but maybe I'll get used to it."
• Month 1: "My jaw is kind of sore on that side now."
• Month 6: "Why do I keep getting these headaches?"
• Year 1: "My brand new crown cracked!" or "The tooth on the other side is suddenly sensitive."

This is why we obsess over getting your bite perfect from the start.

What Actually Happens During a Bite Adjustment

Gone are the days of just asking you to "bite and grind" on that blue paper (though it's still a valuable tool). Our modern approach is multi-faceted.

The process itself is incredibly precise. We are removing microscopic amounts of material from the crown—sometimes, just a final polish is all that's needed. When we nail the adjustment, the relief is immediate. Patients often say, "Oh wow, that's SO much better" before we even put the instruments down.

Red Flags: When It's More Than a Simple Adjustment

Sometimes, bite problems can indicate a bigger issue. If multiple teeth feel off, your jaw locks or pops, or an adjustment doesn't relieve the pressure, it might signal an underlying TMJ issue or a change in your overall bite that requires a more comprehensive analysis. We will always be honest with you if we believe a more in-depth look is needed to solve the root cause of the problem.

Here's what we want you to remember:

A bite adjustment isn't just a minor tweak; it's the crucial final step that protects your new crown, your jaw joints, and your other teeth from harmful, unbalanced forces. Getting it perfect is essential for your long-term comfort and the success of your dental work.

Every patient's situation is unique.

Your bite is as unique as your fingerprint, and it can even feel different once dental anesthesia wears off. That's why we use multiple techniques and listen carefully to your feedback to ensure your new restoration is perfectly synchronized with your specific bite.

Have questions about your bite?

Or is something feeling "off" with a new or existing crown? Don't just live with it. We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.