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Did you know that you may have occlusion and not even know it? To be honest, it isn’t uncommon that either yourself or a loved one may have occlusal problems. In simple terms, “occlusion” is the way your upper and bottom teeth make contact either when chewing, talking or even when your mouth is at rest.

What causes occlusion problems to occur? In most cases, occlusion occurs from movement of teeth, whether it has been from a tooth that has been lost or removed that may not have had the proper follow up or replacement set into place. In other instances, patients may have lost a filling for a cavity or have a loose or broken crown, causing the jaw to become positioned incorrectly. When that happens, the teeth become misaligned. In more severe cases, the change in alignment can cause key jaw muscles to work harder, which can and can lead to spasms in the jaw as well as chronic jaw fatigue. Occlusion can also occur from periodontal diseases that can cause teeth to move in various directions thereby disrupting how the teeth fit together and function in the mouth.

Can Occlusion Be Fixed?

The good news is yes, it can. Treatments are readily available if you think you may have teeth occlusion problems. It’s best to find a local dentist, preferably a dentist who provides advanced dentistry, who can examine your mouth to see how severe your occlusion is and determine the type of treatment plan that is right for you. If your teeth have worn over time, for example, they can be re-built, which will help alleviate the upper and lower teeth from being misaligned in some circumstances. Braces, dental splints, other teeth adjustments are also options that can be explored. Additionally, medication is also available to relieve discomfort in certain situations.

If you aren’t sure if occlusion is the issue, you may be experiencing other symptoms that may need checked out such as consistent headaches, snoring and sleeping discomfort or irregularities, problems chewing and more.

If left untreated, damaging malocclusion problems can lead to more severe trauma. We recommend that you seek out a local Metro St. Louis area advanced dentist who has years of experience treating such occlusion issues. Visit Breckner Dental to learn more about dental implants, dentures, partials and other solutions for occlusion. Dr. Breckner has many satisfied patients and would be happy to visit with you about your particular issue. To schedule a consultation, visit BrecknerDental.com or call (618) 307-3267 today.