Occlusal Equilibration can be defined as the modification of the chewing and biting surfaces of teeth and is accomplished through mechanical adjustment.

Dr. Gary Kerhoulas has received advanced training at the world-renowned Pankey Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, which teaches an in-depth understanding of the occlusion and its effects on physiology.  Dr. Kerhoulas incorporates these teachings into all restorative treatment that he provides.

Purpose:

To create a more harmonious relationship between your upper and lower teeth.  This, in turn, creates a healthy relationship between the bones of the jaw joints, the muscles that control facial movement and their respective nerves and blood vessels. Adjustment may be applicable to natural teeth, crowns, bridges, dentures, restorations and oral appliances.  The goal of occlusal equilibration is to achieve a relaxed and comfortable jaw joint relationship that results when the lower dentition occlude ideally with the upper dentition.

Why Is It Necessary?:

Your dentition is being equilibrated because there is evidence of stress or strain in hard or soft tissue.  This may manifest as pain, abnormal or uneven tooth wear, breaking of restorations or tooth structure, bite sliding into position or traumatic occlusion.  In general, these conditions are a result of upper and lower teeth not meeting or occluding harmoniously.  The adjustments made to your teeth allow for a more comfortable bite and a reduction in further wear.

What’s Involved?:

A simple occlusal adjustment can be accomplished in a short visit.  More complex equilibrations may require several appointments.  Teeth naturally experience movement if a force is exerted against them such as the forces of the muscles of the lips, cheeks and tongue, or that caused by tooth grinding or unbalanced occlusion.  Once your symptoms have been alleviated and your bite is stabilized, a follow-up occlusal adjustment may be required.  Any new restorations will be placed in accordance with your new comfortable occlusion.

Your New Bite:

Following occlusal equilibration, your bite will feel different.  This is to be expected.  Gradually, you will adjust to your new bite and it will feel normal.

Benefits:

The benefits of occlusal equilibration are numerous and enduring.  We welcome any questions you may have about this treatment or about symptoms you are experiencing that may involve your occlusion.

Kerhoulas Dental...
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