Occlusal Disease

We believe every smile should not only look beautiful—but function comfortably and correctly.

Occlusal disease is a condition that can affect both the health and longevity of your teeth, even if you don’t realize it’s happening. Often overlooked or mistaken for normal wear and tear, occlusal disease occurs when the teeth in the upper and lower jaw don’t fit together properly—a condition known as malocclusion.

Over time, this misalignment places excessive pressure on your teeth, jaw joints, muscles, and supporting structures. If left untreated, occlusal disease can lead to pain, cracked or broken teeth, receding gums, TMJ dysfunction, and costly restorative needs down the road.

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What causes occlusal disease?

Occlusal disease typically stems from an unbalanced bite. This can be the result of:

Genetics or jaw structure
Teeth that are crowded or misaligned
Missing teeth that disrupt bite balance
Uneven dental restorations or worn fillings
Clenching and grinding (bruxism), often linked to stress or sleep disorders

Because the damage happens gradually, many people don’t realize their bite is out of balance until they experience symptoms—or until their dentist identifies signs of abnormal wear during a routine exam.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Occlusal disease affects each person differently, but some of the most common symptoms include:

Noticeable wear or flattening of enamel
Tooth sensitivity (especially to temperature or pressure)
Chipping, cracking, or breaking of teeth
Gum recession not linked to hygiene habits
Loosening of teeth or gradual tooth shifting
Jaw pain, tension, or headaches
Clicking or popping in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Muscle soreness in the face, neck, or shoulders

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms—or if you’ve been told your teeth look worn—it’s important to talk with your dentist. At our Kingsport office, Dr. Kathy Sanders brings decades of experience diagnosing and treating occlusal issues before they lead to further complications.

Why Treatment Matters

Untreated occlusal disease can shorten the lifespan of your natural teeth and compromise the success of future dental work. That’s why we focus not just on relieving current discomfort, but on protecting your long-term oral health. Whether you’re planning cosmetic improvements or just trying to stop further wear, correcting your bite is often the first—and most important—step.

How We Treat Occlusal Disease

Treatment is personalized based on your unique bite and the extent of wear or damage. Dr. Sanders may recommend:

Bite analysis to evaluate how your teeth come together during rest and chewing
Occlusal adjustment to reshape biting surfaces and improve balance
Custom nightguards to protect against nighttime grinding
Orthodontic treatment to correct alignment issues
Restorative dentistry, such as crowns or onlays, to rebuild and protect weakened teeth
Comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitation if extensive damage has occurred

At every step, our goal is to create a bite that is stable, comfortable, and functional—reducing strain on your teeth and jaws while restoring natural aesthetics.

Protecting Your Oral Health for the Long Term

At Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that understanding the cause of tooth wear is just as important as treating the damage. If you’ve noticed increasing sensitivity, frequent chipping, or jaw discomfort, we invite you to schedule an evaluation. With early intervention, occlusal disease can be managed successfully, helping you avoid more extensive procedures in the future.

Contact our Kingsport office today to learn more about occlusal disease treatment or to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Sanders. Together, we’ll work toward a smile that not only looks its best—but feels its best, too.