Can Occlusal Adjustment Really Fix my Bite Problems or Do I Need Orthodontic Work?

I had braces when I was young, but my retainer didn't fit after a while, so I stopped wearing it. Then I had four pregnancies and realized that my teeth were moving (visible changes). Now, I have had significant facial nerve issues-- possibly trigeminal nerve inflammation that my dentist thinks may be a result of bite problems. My dentist thinks occlusal adjustment will fix the problem. I'm concerned my bite may be too bad to be solved with just occlusal adjustment. Should I see an orthodontist?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by jag13

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Occlusal Adjustment or Orthodontics?

You mentioned movement of teeth because retainers were not worn for a long period of time. You mentioned that you are having facial nerve issues POSSIBLY trigeminal nerve pain which is becuase of your bite. First of all I would find a dentist that specializes in neuromuscular dentistry if possible and book an appointment for a consultation regarding your facial pain. They have far more training in this area than either an orthodontist or general dentist. If your dentist thinks it is... more

Will Equilibration help facial nerve issues?

You may need to talk to several people but one of the first I would talk to is someone who specializes in head and neck pain. They have a TMJ and Pain program up at UCLA dental school thay you might contact. and there used to be a program at UCSD that was run by Dr. Terry Tanaka, a dentist who is very highly regarded in treating problems like yours. Look him up on the web. He may be in private practice in your area but I am not certain. Equilibration and or... more

Bite Adjustment or Orthodontics?

Great question. It never hurts to get as much information about your condition as you possibly can. While bite adjustments can resolve discrepancies in a person's bite it can not resolve a bad bite. Sometimes, all that is needed for a bite to be completely out of balance and cause severe trauma to the TMJ is a slightly misaligned tooth. Gather as much information as you can and then make a decision regarding your treatment based on what makes the most sense. Invariably, you will have... more

Orthodontics and occlusal adjustments.

Bad bite won't cause trigeminal nerve inflamation. I would see an orthodontist to check your bite problem. But I don't see your bite and trigeminal nevrve as related issues.

Equilibrate or orthodontics?

The scientific view now is that MOST of the time, occlusion is not the major factor in your type of problem so neither equilibration nor orthodontics will help you. Make sure you get multiple opinions before letting someone grind on your teeth or do major orthodontic work