Occlusion Dentistry (Dental Occlusion) focuses on treating patients with abnormal biting or chewing patterns, which can affect the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). One of the most common causes is bruxism, or teeth grinding during sleep.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) is a condition where patients grind their teeth during sleep. It can often be identified by symptoms such as jaw joint pain or soreness, as well as visible signs like tooth wear, fractures, or cracks.
Easily Noticeable Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders (TMD)
- Pain Around the Joint Area: Symptoms may include discomfort near the ears, jaw muscles, cheeks, face, or temples.
- Reduced Mouth Opening: Difficulty or limitation in fully opening the mouth.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
- Jaw Deviation and Pain While Chewing: The jaw may shift to one side when opening, accompanied by pain while chewing food.
- Ear Pain or Headaches: In some cases, individuals may experience ear pain or headaches alongside jaw discomfort.
The exact cause is unclear, but it may result from various factors.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- Abnormal Bite (Malocclusion): A misalignment of the teeth or jaws that can cause discomfort and lead to other issues such as teeth grinding or jaw pain.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Injury: An injury to the jaw joint, often resulting from accidents or trauma, which can cause pain and limited jaw movement.
- Frequent Consumption of Tough and Hard Foods: Regularly eating tough or hard foods can put excessive strain on the jaw and teeth, potentially leading to discomfort or damage over time.
- Stress: Stress can contribute to teeth grinding (bruxism), muscle tension, and jaw pain, often leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Imbalance in the Chewing System: This can occur when teeth are missing for an extended period without replacement, leading to improper bite alignment and potential issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles.
Treatment Duration for Occlusion Dentistry
The treatment duration is determined by the dentist, who will assess the most appropriate method for the patient. A common approach is the use of occlusal splints. This requires multiple visits: one for dental impressions, and another approximately one week later to fit the splint and make adjustments. The dentist will schedule follow-up appointments every 3 to 6 months to monitor progress and make further adjustments if needed.
