Occlusal Disease (Bite Misalignment)

Occlusal disease refers to a misalignment of a person’s bite that prevents the teeth from meeting properly when a person bites or chews. (“Occlusion” refers to the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.)

An elderly man is eating a piece of bread with jam on it.

When the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned, there is extra biting or chewing stress on some points of the teeth and no stress on other parts designed to bear this stress.

What happens as a result? Any of the following:

Worn-down teeth
Cracked, chipped or broken teeth
Damaged dental work
Gum recession
Pain around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Bone loss
Loosened teeth
Facial pain
Sore muscles
Fractures of teeth along the gumline
Tooth sensitivity
Headaches

Worn-down teeth
Cracked, chipped or broken teeth
Damaged dental work
Gum recession
Pain around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Bone loss

Loosened teeth
Facial pain
Sore muscles
Fractures of teeth along the gumline
Tooth sensitivity
Headaches

Please consult with us if you have any of these symptoms. Delaying until the damage is severe could necessitate a full mouth reconstruction to restore your smile. The sooner we correct the alignment of your bite, the sooner you can relieve these symptoms and save your teeth.

Please call us to schedule an appointment at (201) 451-1600

or request an appointment via our website.