Have you ever noticed that certain teeth take the impact of most of your chewing? Have you noticed tender and painful facial and jaw muscles, especially when you wake up in the morning? Do you have teeth that appear worn down more than your other teeth? Do you have cracks or tiny fracture lines on some teeth? Do you find it painful or impossible to slide your upper and lower arch of teeth across each other and make use of the full range of mastication motion that a healthy bite allows?

Some of your teeth are interfering with others when you are at rest and when you are using your mouth to eat, speak, and more. They are applying pressures and forces on each other when you are biting, chewing, clenching and grinding. You may be clenching and grinding unconsciously much of the night and day. When you have an uneven bite, there is an unconscious tendency to grind your teeth…as if you are trying to wear away the interferences. This leads to painful jaw and facial muscles and premature wear on your teeth.

There is a science to modifying the alignment of teeth and occlusal (biting) surfaces of teeth so that you get an even, balanced bite. When the tops of teeth (biting surfaces) are modified to create a balanced bite with the upper and lower teeth coming together in an even way, this is called “equilibration.” Dr. Lysandro Tapnio is an expert in dental alignment through orthodontics and the improvement of bites through equilibration. If you are a sufferer of TMJ/TMD, you also may benefit from BOTOX injection to inhibit painful muscle contraction, and Dr. Tapnio can help you with this as well.

When it comes to orthodontics and equilibration, the most noticeable change will be the improvement in your appearance. Your straighter smile will enhance your other facial features, and you may feel much more self-confident about your smile. But, the long-term health benefits of a balanced, even bite are many, including minimized wear on teeth, minimized stress on jaw joints and muscles, reduced risk of nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), and lower risk for decay and discoloration on tooth enamel because there is more space between teeth for thorough cleaning. Treatment in the future will be easier if you need a dental crown or implant, because there is improved space. And, your teeth and dental restorations will last longer.

Overall, you will feel and look better. When your teeth are in alignment and your bite is equilibrated, you will be more comfortable as you chew, speak, and even sleep at night. If you are concerned about your bite, give us a call. Beacon Family Dentistry is conveniently located on Arlington Expressway in Jacksonville, FL.