Bite and Occlusion Disorders

Finding Balance for a Healthier Smile

Your bite—the way your upper and lower teeth come together—plays a critical role in your overall oral health and comfort. When your bite is misaligned or imbalanced, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and even long-term damage to your teeth and jaw.

TMJ Baton Rouge Inc. specializes in diagnosing and treating bite and occlusion disorders to restore harmony and improve your quality of life.

What Are Bite and Occlusion Disorders?

Bite and occlusion disorders occur when the teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles are not properly aligned. This often happens after dental procedures.

These issues can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Jaw pain or stiffness.
Tooth wear, cracks, or sensitivity.
Headaches or migraines.
Difficulty chewing or speaking.
Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw joint.

Our Comprehensive Diagnostic Process

Detailed Examination: Dr. Kidder conducts a thorough evaluation of your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles, looking for signs of misalignment and wear.
Advanced Diagnostics: Using cutting-edge tools and techniques, we analyze your bite dynamics and pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your unique needs, Dr. Kidder develops a customized plan to address the root cause of the problem and restore balance.

Treatment Options for Lasting Relief

Our treatments focus on correcting the underlying issues causing your bite and occlusion problems:

- Custom Bite Appliances: These appliances protect teeth, reduce strain on the jaw, and guide the bite into proper alignment.
- Occlusal Adjustments: Minor teeth reshaping ensures a smoother, more balanced bite.
- Restorative Solutions: For severe cases, restorative treatments like crowns or bonding may be used to rebuild damaged teeth and achieve optimal alignment. Dr. Kidder will collaborate with your dentist for your restorative needs. Some may also need orthodontics and a very small percentage may need surgery.

The Benefits of a Corrected Bite

Addressing bite and occlusion disorders doesn’t just relieve discomfort—it improves your overall oral health.

Benefits include:

Reduced risk of tooth wear and fractures.
Relief from jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension.
Improved function, making it easier to chew and speak.
Enhanced longevity of your teeth and jaw joints.
Improved esthetics.