A bite adjustment is a simple dental procedure that corrects irregular contact between upper and lower teeth.
Even slight differences in height or angle can create excessive force on certain teeth, leading to problems such as:
- Jaw tension
- Headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Cracked fillings or restorations
- Grinding or clenching
- Mobility or wear of specific teeth
By smoothing and rebalancing these contact points, your bite functions more naturally and comfortably.
Why bite imbalance happens
Several factors can cause an uneven bite, including:
- Dental fillings or crowns that sit slightly too high
- Natural shifting of teeth over time
- Tooth wear from grinding
- Orthodontic relapse
- New restorations that need minor adjustment
- Misalignment of one or more teeth
- Previous trauma or chipped enamel
Even tiny variations can affect the entire chewing system — teeth, muscles, and jaw joints.
Symptoms of an unbalanced bite
You may need an occlusal adjustment if you experience:
- Sharp pain when biting
- A feeling that “one tooth hits first”
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Uneven wear on specific teeth
- Teeth that feel loose
- Headaches or tension around the temples
- Difficulty chewing evenly
- Sensitivity with pressure
Many patients note relief immediately after the adjustment.
Our bite evaluation process
At Anchor Dental, we begin with a careful evaluation to understand exactly where the imbalance is coming from.
1. Visual and tactile examination
We check each tooth and existing dental work for high points or irregular wear.
2. Bite paper and articulation analysis
Colored bite paper reveals the pattern of your bite and highlights any areas receiving excessive pressure.
3. Digital imaging (if needed)
Photos or digital scans help us evaluate the bite with higher accuracy.
4. Muscle and joint assessment
We check for tension around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that could be related to bite forces.
This thorough assessment ensures that adjustments are conservative, precise, and tailored to your exact needs.
How an occlusal adjustment works
The procedure is simple, conservative, and painless.
1. Marking the bite
You bite gently on paper that shows where pressure is concentrated.
2. Selective reshaping
We smooth microscopic amounts of enamel or restoration material on the areas that hit too early.
This does not weaken the tooth — it removes only what is needed to balance the bite.
3. Rechecking contact
After each adjustment, we test again until the bite feels natural and evenly distributed.
4. Final polish
We polish the area to maintain comfort and smoothness.
Most patients feel instant improvement when the imbalance is corrected.
Conditions that benefit from bite adjustment
- TMJ discomfort
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Migraines or tension headaches
- Post-orthodontic bite refinement
- Crowns or fillings that feel “too high”
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Generalized jaw fatigue
Bite adjustments are often a key part of a larger treatment plan when managing chronic jaw issues or repeated damage to specific teeth.
Protecting your bite long-term
In addition to adjustments, we may recommend:
- Night guards to reduce grinding pressure
- Orthodontic correction for misaligned teeth
- Restorative treatment for worn or damaged teeth
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce jaw clenching
Maintaining a stable bite helps preserve enamel, improve comfort, and prevent future dental problems.
Why bite balance matters
Balanced bite forces:
- Protect enamel
- Reduce jaw muscle strain
- Prevent fractures in teeth and restorations
- Improve chewing efficiency
- Reduce inflammation around the TMJ
- Promote long-term oral stability
Even small imbalances can cause ongoing issues, which is why early correction is important.
Occlusal adjustments and San Francisco lifestyles
Patients often experience bite issues due to:
- Stress-related grinding or clenching
- High coffee intake
- Long hours at the computer affecting posture
- Previous orthodontic treatment
- Busy schedules delaying dental visits
Our approach focuses on comfort, function, and long-term protection.
Common questions
Does a bite adjustment hurt?
No — the procedure is gentle and does not require numbing.
Will I notice the difference right away?
Many patients feel relief immediately after the adjustment.
Does removing enamel weaken my teeth?
No. We remove only microscopic amounts to smooth irregularities.
How long does the procedure take?
Most adjustments take 10–20 minutes.
Do I need more than one adjustment?
Some cases require follow-up visits, depending on the cause and severity of the imbalance.
Why patients choose Anchor Dental for bite adjustments
- Detailed bite analysis
- Conservative, precise adjustments
- Focus on function and comfort
- Experience with TMJ-related bite issues
- Modern diagnostic tools
- Trusted by patients from West Portal, Forest Hill, Noe Valley, and Inner Sunset
- Led by Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD, with expertise in functional dentistry
We aim to make your bite feel natural, balanced, and comfortable.
Schedule your occlusal adjustment in San Francisco
If your bite feels uneven or causes discomfort, a simple adjustment may bring noticeable relief.
We’re here to help restore comfort and balance with a careful, personalized approach.
