Dr. Terri M. Nguyen
Dr. Tiffany H. Nguyen
Dr. Laura T. Huynh
12
Feb
Patients in San Francisco, CA are correcting bruxism with dental bite adjustments
Have you noticed that your natural bite feels a bit off or that chewing isn’t as easy as it used to be due to misaligned teeth? You may need a dental bite adjustment to correct these issues. Dr. Terri Nguyen encourages you to schedule a visit with her at West Portal Family Dentistry in San Francisco, CA to have this looked at. Dr. Nguyen has been performing dental bite adjustments with great success for many years and has corrected countless bites so that her patients walk away with increased comfort and chewing ability.
Occlusal adjustment
The correction of your bite is also called an occlusal adjustment. This procedure is performed with the intent of removing interference that is preventing your bite from coming together as it should. This imperfect tooth positioning while your jaw is closed is called a malocclusion and can occur naturally over time due to wear, because of an injury to your mouth, or because of a previous dental procedure. Some dental procedures that may lead to malocclusion can include:
Signs of malocclusion
There are specific signs that you may need a bite adjustment. Misaligned teeth can cause problems such as severe chronic headaches, toothaches, and neck aches. A bite that is not properly aligned may lead to a condition called bruxism. This is when your teeth grind as your jaw closes to the natural position due to misalignment. Other signs you may experience are:
- Uneven closing of your jaw
- Popping or clicking noises as you close your jaw
- Worn facets in your teeth where enamel has been worn away
- Fractured Teeth
Treating your malocclusion
When you go to your dentist, your bite will be evaluated, and x-rays or impressions may need to be taken. Then you may be asked to bite down on a thin sheet of indicator tape which will help indicate where contact occurs between your teeth. These areas, where contact occurs, will then be smoothed down by your dentist by removing the necessary amount of tooth (or restoration) to eliminate the interference. This process will be repeated in all necessary areas of your teeth until your bite is properly aligned. This process is quick, easy and painless.
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may cause you to think twice about the alignment of your bite, please give Dr. Terri Nguyen a call at (415) 604-9292 to setup an appointment.
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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 Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).
As a Bay Area native, Dr. Tiffany Nguyen is excited to settle in the West Portal neighborhood and serve her community.
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.