Bite Adjustment in Virginia Beach, VA

A bite adjustment, also called occlusal therapy or bite therapy, is a periodontal treatment performed when the way your teeth come together is causing damage to your teeth, jaw joints, or surrounding structures. A healthy bite is one where all or most teeth are present and functioning without excessive wear or damage from normal daily use. When teeth show signs of wear, looseness, or TMJ (jaw joint) damage, bite therapy is recommended to restore a functional, balanced bite that can operate without further destruction. Dr. Cavallari evaluates and treats bite-related problems for patients throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.

A healthy bite distributes chewing forces evenly across all teeth without causing undue stress on any individual tooth or the jaw joint. A destructive bite occurs when bite forces are uneven or excessive — resulting in visible tooth wear, tooth looseness, TMJ dysfunction, or damage to existing restorations such as crowns and fillings. Left untreated, a destructive bite can accelerate periodontal bone loss, crack teeth, and lead to more complex and costly dental problems over time.

Bite therapy is not a single procedure but rather a range of treatments tailored to your specific diagnosis. It may include reshaping the biting surfaces of teeth to eliminate spots of excessive pressure and distribute bite forces evenly across all teeth; bite splint therapy using a custom-fitted plastic bite guard worn during the day, at night, or both; orthodontic treatment to reposition misaligned or drifted teeth; replacement of old, worn, or damaged fillings and crowns; and reconstruction of badly worn or damaged teeth. Dr. Cavallari will determine the most appropriate approach based on the severity and nature of your bite problem.

A bite splint is a custom-fitted plastic guard that keeps the upper and lower teeth separated, preventing them from grinding or clenching against each other. It can be worn during the day, at night, or both depending on your individual needs. Bite splints are commonly used to protect teeth from wear, reduce muscle tension in the jaw, relieve TMJ discomfort, and stabilize the bite while other treatments — such as reshaping or restorations — are being completed.

Yes, significantly. Excessive bite forces on specific teeth can accelerate bone loss around those teeth, loosen teeth that are already compromised by periodontal disease, and undermine the long-term success of periodontal treatment. Addressing bite imbalances is often an essential component of comprehensive periodontal care, particularly after procedures such as LANAP, osseous surgery, or implant placement. Dr. Cavallari routinely evaluates bite function as part of his overall assessment of periodontal health.

Common indicators of a destructive bite include teeth that feel loose or sensitive when biting, noticeable wear on the chewing surfaces of teeth, jaw pain, clicking or popping in the jaw joint, headaches — particularly in the morning — difficulty chewing comfortably, and teeth that have shifted or drifted out of position. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Cavallari can determine whether bite therapy is contributing to your symptoms.

The approach depends on the underlying cause. Reshaping biting surfaces and replacing worn restorations can produce long-lasting results. However, if habits such as grinding or clenching are contributing to the problem, ongoing use of a bite splint may be needed to protect the results. Dr. Cavallari will develop a treatment plan that addresses both the immediate damage and the underlying factors to give you the most durable outcome possible.

Call Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants at (757) 412-0235 or request an appointment online at drcavallari.com. Dr. Cavallari will perform a thorough evaluation of your bite, jaw joints, and periodontal health to determine whether bite therapy is appropriate and which treatment approach is right for you.