Occlusal Adjustment is a term used in dentistry to describe the process of correcting the alignment of a patient's bite by making adjustments to the surfaces of their teeth. The word "occlusal" refers to the biting surface of the teeth, while "adjustment" implies the act of modifying or altering something. Phonetically, the word is pronounced /əˈkluːsəl əˈdʒʌstmənt/, with emphasis on the second syllable of each word. Understanding the correct spelling of this technical term is important for dental professionals in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion.
Occlusal adjustment refers to a dental procedure that involves the reshaping, realignment, or leveling of the biting surfaces of teeth. It is performed to improve the way the upper and lower teeth come together, known as the bite or occlusion. This adjustment aims to achieve a harmonious and balanced bite by eliminating any interference or discrepancies in the way the teeth align.
Occlusal adjustment is typically carried out by a dentist or a dental specialist. The procedure involves carefully grinding down or reshaping the enamel of selected teeth to create an even contact between the upper and lower teeth when biting or chewing. By precisely reshaping the teeth and their cusps, any irregularities or high spots causing an imbalanced bite can be corrected.
This dental treatment is commonly recommended for patients who exhibit signs of malocclusion, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), excessive wear on certain teeth, discomfort or pain in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), headaches, or difficulty in chewing. Occlusal adjustment is also performed in cases where a patient has received dental restorations or prosthetics (e.g., crowns, bridges, dentures) that require alignment or adjustment to ensure proper function and prevent premature failure.
In summary, occlusal adjustment is a dental procedure involving the reshaping or leveling of the biting surfaces of teeth to achieve a balanced bite and improve overall dental health.
The word "occlusal adjustment" is derived from two main components: "occlusal" and "adjustment".
1. "Occlusal": This term relates to the occlusion, which refers to the contact and alignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw closes. "Occlusal" comes from the Latin "occludere", meaning "to shut" or "to close".
2. "Adjustment": This term comes from the Latin "adjūstāre", which means "to set right" or "to regulate". It refers to the act of making modifications, alterations, or corrections to achieve proper alignment or functionality.
Thus, "occlusal adjustment" is a dental term that encompasses the act of modifying or refining the alignment and contact of teeth to improve overall occlusion and create a more harmonious bite relationship.