How Occlusal Equilibration Can Help Prevent Headaches and Jaw Pain

Do you often suffer from headaches or jaw pain? Many people experience these discomforts due to issues with how their teeth come together, a condition that can place undue stress on the jaw muscles and joints. At Reaves Dental, we believe in addressing the root cause of your discomfort to improve both your oral health and overall well-being.
 

Common Symptoms of Bite Misalignment

Many patients don’t realize their headaches or jaw pain are connected to their bite. Common symptoms of bite misalignment include:
 

• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
• Uneven wear on teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult with your dentist.
 

What Is Occlusal Equilibration?

Occlusal equilibration is a procedure aimed at adjusting and balancing the way your teeth come together when you bite. Misaligned teeth or an uneven bite can create undue stress on your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to discomfort, pain, and even chronic issues like tension headaches.
 

How Occlusal Equilibration Helps

When your bite is misaligned, your jaw muscles and TMJ compensate for the imbalance, often resulting in excessive strain. Occlusal equilibration helps by:
 

• Redistributing Bite Forces: Adjusting your teeth ensures that forces are evenly distributed across your bite, reducing stress on your jaw.
• Relieving Jaw Muscle Tension: Balanced teeth alignment alleviates strain on your jaw muscles, preventing headaches and pain.
• Preventing Tooth Damage: By correcting your bite, occlusal equilibration reduces the risk of excessive wear, cracks, or chips on your teeth.
• Improving TMJ Health: Aligning your bite supports the temporomandibular joint, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Occlusal equilibration is a non-invasive procedure designed to address bite misalignment and relieve associated discomfort. The process begins with a thorough diagnosis, during which your dentist will use advanced tools such as bite analysis or dental impressions to assess your bite and identify areas of imbalance.
 

Once the problem areas are pinpointed, the adjustment phase begins. Using precise dental instruments, your dentist will reshape and smooth specific teeth to create a more balanced bite. This step ensures that the forces distributed across your teeth are even, reducing strain on the jaw and associated muscles.
 

Regular follow-up visits are an essential part of the process. These appointments help ensure that your bite remains properly aligned over time, and they provide an opportunity to make any necessary refinements. Best of all, this procedure is typically quick, painless, and for many patients, offers immediate relief from their symptoms.
 

Benefits Beyond Pain Relief

Occlusal equilibration doesn’t just address headaches and jaw pain—it also contributes to your overall oral health by:
 

• Enhancing chewing efficiency
• Preventing long-term TMJ disorders
• Reducing the risk of future dental problems caused by uneven wear

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Headaches and jaw pain can significantly impact your daily life, but they don't have to be a permanent burden. Occlusal equilibration is a proven, effective solution to address bite misalignment and alleviate the discomfort caused by uneven forces on your teeth and jaw. By restoring balance to your bite, this procedure not only relieves pain but also protects your teeth and promotes overall oral health.
 

If you’re experiencing headaches and jaw pain, contact Reaves Dental to schedule a consultation and learn more about how occlusal equilibration can help you. Visit our office in New Hartford, New York, or call (315) 736-0139 to book an appointment today.