Bite adjustment can resolve discomfort for San Francisco patients

Your teeth are designed to perform as a team, aligning in a way that allows you to chew efficiently and speak clearly. When that alignment is out of balance, discomfort, dental and overall health problems may result. The dentists at West Portal Family Dentistry provide bite adjustment to help San Francisco area patients enjoy better oral health.

Symptoms of bite problems

You may be in need of bite adjustment if you experience:

  • Loose teeth
  • Shifting teeth
  • Gum recession
  • Fractures or breakage
  • Frequent headaches
  • Jaw pain
  • Reduced jaw mobility
  • Grinding noise in the jaw
  • Mouth pain, especially when eating

The bite adjustment process

Bite adjustment is a technique that improves the way teeth meet together when you bite down, equalizing pressure on the teeth and reducing strain on the jaw joint. In some cases, bite adjustment is a quick, chairside procedure. For other patients, prep work and models are required for complex adjustment.

Bite adjustment is a multi-step process:

  • Initial visit – The dentist completes a comprehensive evaluation of your bite (including past dental procedures), x-rays, and possibly impressions. Indicator tape identifies which teeth are receiving the most impact. These teeth are reshaped with a dental drill, and polished. Usually no anesthetic is needed, since only the enamel layer is treated. If extensive reshaping or fillings are necessary, the patient is thoroughly numbed.
  • Follow-ups – Most patients feel relief almost immediately. However, once the most prominent points of impact are addressed, other bite irregularities may become noticeable. At subsequent visits, the dentist continues to make precise adjustments to achieve the most balanced bite possible, and the highest level of comfort.

Bite adjustment can cure or dramatically reduce bruxism (excessive clenching and grinding at night) and TMJ disorders, as well as discomfort and oral damage associated with these conditions. Call West Portal Family Dentistry in San Francisco at (415) 604-9292 to schedule a bite adjustment assessment.

Dr. Terri Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice

A graduate from UC San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Science degree, Dr. Terri M. Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is known for her caring and passionate nature towards her patients whilst having a wealth of knowledge and technical skill.

Dr. Nguyen continues to update herself with newer and tested treatment methods and technology to ensure that she is capable of delivering the best possible service to her clients. Her areas of specialty include root canal therapy, implant dentistry and cosmetic treatment. She is also a prestigious member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Dr. Tiffany H. Nguyen grew up in Santa Clara. She studied dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, with over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Francisco Dental Society, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

As a Bay Area native, Dr. Tiffany Nguyen is excited to settle in the West Portal neighborhood and serve her community.

Dr. Tiffany Nguyen has over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice
Dr. Laura Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients

Dr. Laura T. Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients of all ages. While she has over 15 years of experience in all areas of general practice, she especially enjoys pediatric dentistry and cosmetic dentistry for adults.

A UC Irvine graduate, Dr. Huynh obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Arthur Dugoni Dental School at University of Pacific. She stays on top of the latest trends and technologies in dentistry by following continuing education courses annually. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Francisco Dental Society.