Dr. Ronald Petrosky, One of "America's Top Dentist" in Little Egg Harbor - Tuckerton offering Mini Dental Implants of New Jersey, Laser Periodontal Therapy (Lanap) of New Jersey, Lumineers-New Jersey, Laser Dentistry-New Jersey, Cosmetic and General Dentistry-New Jersey also serving Galloway, Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, Barnegat, Forked River, Toms River, Lakewood, Freehold, and Manalapan Area.
Tuckerton, NJ dentists Drs. Ronald and Gail Petrosky
     Occlusal (Bite) Equilibation

What is it? Why do I need it?

Occlusal equilibration is the mechanical adjustment of your teeth. dentures. fillings, or other appliances to a position which allows your lower jaw to function as a natural hinge in relation to your upper jaw reducing needed tooth structure to assure that all teeth fit together with equal pressure on all teeth and surfaces. This allows you a better chewing surface and comfort. There are many reasons why teeth and jaws do not occlude (meet) in a comfortable position. Some of them are: numerous filling or bridges over a period of years, orthodontics, developmental defects, oral surgery, trauma, malocclusion (poor bite), bruxism (grinding one's teeth), and clenching.

Your mouth is equilibrated because some problem exists: i.e. pain, abnormal wear breaking of restorations, or other situations. The problem is usually present because your teeth and/or filling do not meet in harmony with your lower jaw at a proper position.
The teeth and fillings have not "worn in" properly.

We approach occlusion adjustments in a very conservative way. In most cases we will make minor adjustments, then if you still have discomfort we will re-adjust until you have the comfort and chewing capability we are trying to accomplish.