Occlusal Adjustment
“A precise reshaping of your bite contacts can relieve jaw strain, reduce grinding, and protect your teeth and restorations for the long term.”
What Is Occlusal Adjustment?
Occlusal adjustment — also called bite adjustment or occlusal equilibration — is a procedure in which Dr. Kim carefully reshapes specific tooth surfaces to create a more balanced, even distribution of biting forces. By eliminating premature or uneven contacts, the procedure reduces stress on individual teeth, muscles, and the jaw joints.
What Is “Occlusion”?
Occlusion simply refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite, chew, and rest. Ideal occlusion means all teeth share the load evenly — no single tooth or area takes more force than it should.
Signs That Your Bite May Be Off
One tooth feels “high” after a filling, crown, or other dental work
Teeth grinding or clenching
Uneven wear on certain teeth
Jaw muscle soreness or fatigue
TMJ clicking or discomfort
Headaches concentrated at the temples
Sensitivity on specific teeth when biting
When Is Occlusal Adjustment Recommended?
Situation Why Adjustment Helps
After new crown, filling, or veneer Fine-tune the bite to the restoration
TMJ disorder management Reduce joint loading from uneven contacts
Bruxism treatment Eliminate trigger points that initiate grinding
Tooth mobility or bone loss Redistribute forces away from compromised teeth
Full-mouth reconstruction Establish stable, balanced occlusion
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Bite analysis — Dr. Kim uses articulating paper (thin marking film) to identify premature contacts
Selective reshaping — micro-adjustments are made with a fine dental bur to high spots only
Re-evaluation — bite is checked repeatedly until forces are balanced
No anesthesia needed in most cases — the procedure is comfortable and conservative
Multiple visits may be needed for complex bite correction
Is It Permanent?
The reshaping done during occlusal adjustment is permanent but minimal — typically less than a millimeter of enamel. Dr. Kim takes a very conservative approach, making only the adjustments necessary to achieve balance without unnecessarily altering tooth structure.
Important Note
Occlusal adjustment is not appropriate for all patients. In some cases, orthodontics, restorative work, or a stabilization splint should be completed first. Dr. Kim will assess your bite comprehensively before recommending this procedure.