What Is an Occlusal Adjustment and When Is One Needed?
Occlusion refers to the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. In an ideal bite, all teeth make even, balanced contact simultaneously, distributing bite forces equally across the full arch. When bite contacts are uneven — certain teeth hitting first, harder, or at an angle — specific teeth and jaw muscles become overloaded.
Bite imbalance can stem from a new crown, bridge, filling, or veneer that sits slightly too high; tooth loss that lets adjacent and opposing teeth shift; teeth grinding (bruxism) that creates uneven wear; post-orthodontic settling after braces or Invisalign; natural wear over time; or TMJ dysfunction.
Is Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment right for you? Signs, symptoms & candidacy.
Recognizing the signs early makes treatment simpler. Here’s what we look for — and the surest way to know is a quick exam with a Boca dentist.
Signs You May Need an Occlusal Adjustment
- A specific tooth consistently feels high when you bite down
- Jaw pain, facial muscle soreness, or headaches — particularly upon waking
- Tooth sensitivity without an identifiable dental cause
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint (TMJ)
- Uneven or accelerated tooth wear visible at your dental exams
- A recently placed restoration feels off even after the initial settling period
How an Occlusal Adjustment Works at Boca in Reno
Bite Assessment
Articulating paper (carbon-paper-like strips) is placed between the teeth to mark bite contacts as you bite down, while shim stock and bite registration material identify high contacts precisely.
Selective Reshaping
High spots are selectively reduced with a dental handpiece — removing minimal enamel from specific points on specific teeth to achieve balanced, even contact across all teeth simultaneously.
Verification & Polishing
Bite contacts are re-marked and verified, and adjusted surfaces are polished smooth.
Occlusal Splint Consideration
For ongoing grinding or TMJ involvement, a custom night guard (occlusal splint) is often recommended alongside the adjustment for comprehensive bite management.
An occlusal adjustment is typically performed chairside in 30–60 minutes without anesthesia (unless sensitive areas require it).
Benefits of an Occlusal Adjustment
Ends 'High Bite' Discomfort
Eliminates the high-bite feeling after new dental work.
Eases Jaw Tension & Headaches
Reduces jaw muscle tension and morning headaches.
Protects Against Wear
Protects teeth from uneven wear and stress fractures.
Addresses TMJ Strain
Addresses one cause of TMJ-related jaw pain and clicking.
Protects Restorations
Protects new crowns, veneers, and bridges from premature failure.
Why Reno Patients Choose Boca Dental & Braces for Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment
What sets us apart
- Bite evaluation and adjustment available at all 3 Reno-area locations
- Precise chairside adjustment using articulating paper, shim stock, and bite registration
- Custom night guard (occlusal splint) offered alongside adjustment for grinding or TMJ involvement
- Often included in the fee when performed right after new dental work
Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment in Reno — Your Questions, Answered
Everything Reno and Sparks patients ask us most about occlusal (bite) adjustment — tap any question to read the answer.
How Much Does an Occlusal Adjustment Cost in Reno, NV?
At Boca, cost should never stand between you and the care you need. We accept Nevada Medicaid and many major dental plans, verify your benefits at no charge, and offer flexible financing — so you can move forward with confidence.
Find Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment Near You — 3 Boca Dental & Braces Locations Across Reno
Boca Specialty Dental and Braces offers occlusal (bite) adjustment at all 3 of its Reno dental clinics, including locations near Moana — Reno, Sparks — McCarran, and Sparks Kids and Braces.
Book Your Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment Appointment
Choose your nearest Boca location and we'll confirm within one business hour. Same-day and next-day appointments available.