Bite Reconstruction & Occlusal Therapy

Bite reconstruction, also called occlusal therapy, refers to treatment aimed at improving how the upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite, chew, and rest. When the bite is uneven or unstable, it can contribute to tooth wear, muscle strain, jaw discomfort, and stress on the temporomandibular joint.

Occlusal therapy may involve a range of approaches depending on the underlying cause and severity. This is assessed individually for each patient; there is no single approach that applies to every situation.

Depending on clinical findings, bite reconstruction may include:

• Custom occlusal appliances or splints to protect teeth and reduce clenching or grinding forces
• Selective adjustment of tooth contacts to improve bite balance
• Restorative treatment such as crowns or fillings to rebuild worn or damaged tooth structure
• Orthodontic care when tooth position is a contributing factor
• Referral to a specialist when the case is complex or beyond the scope of general dental care

We discuss which options may be appropriate for your situation, what each involves, and how they relate to any TMJ symptoms you may be experiencing.

Bite reconstruction is not recommended for every patient with jaw discomfort or worn teeth. A thorough assessment, including review of your symptoms, bite, and joint function, helps determine whether occlusal therapy is likely to help and which approach to start with.

Conservative measures, such as a night guard or minor bite adjustments, are often tried before more involved restorative work. For complex joint conditions, referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or other specialist may be appropriate.