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PURPOSE: Teeth
and jaws do not occlude (come together) in an acceptable
position for many reasons. Some of them are fillings or bridges
that have been placed over a period of years, orthodontics,
developmental defects, oral surgery, trauma, malocclusion
(poor bite), bruxism, and clenching.
Occlusal equilibration is the mechanical adjustment of your
teeth, dentures, bridges, fillings, or other oral appliances
to a position that allows your lower jaw to function in a
natural hinge in relation to your jaw without improper influence
from teeth.
OCCLUSAL EQUILIBRATION - IS IT HARMFUL?: Your mouth is being
equilibrated because some problem exists: pain, abnormal
wear, breaking of restorations, or other situations. The
problem is usually present because teeth and/or restorations
do not meet in harmony with your lower jaw at the proper
position. The teeth and fillings have not "worn in" properly.
Occlusal equilibration "wears" some areas mechanically
and allows the teeth to meet harmoniously. It is not harmful
but is beneficial.
THE FUTURE: A simple occlusal equilibration can be accomplished
in a short time. only slight future changes in your occlusion
(bite) occur over a period of time because of small movements
of teeth in the jaw bones. more complex equilibrations may
require several appointments, and the teeth may shift more
between appointments. When your symptoms are gone and your
occlusion is relatively stable, your equilibration will be
finished. Placement of any new fillings in your mouth will
change the way the teeth contact. The dentist accomplishing
this treatment should be advised of your past occlusion problem.
HOW YOUR TEETH FEEL: After occlusal equilibration, your
occlusion (bite) will feel different to you. This is to be
expected. You will gradually accept this location as your
new chewing position, and it will feel very good.
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