---
title: "What Is Occlusal adjustment? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Occlusal adjustment is the careful reshaping of small spots on teeth so the upper and lower teeth meet evenly when you bite together."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/occlusal-adjustment
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Procedures

# Occlusal adjustment

Occlusal adjustment is the careful reshaping of small spots on teeth so the upper and lower teeth meet evenly when you bite together.

An uneven bite can put extra strain on teeth, gums, and jaw muscles. In an occlusal adjustment, a dentist finds the spots where teeth touch too soon or too hard. The dentist then smooths those spots by a small amount. This can also be done when a new [crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown) or filling feels high. The ADA says a dentist may recommend adjusting or reshaping some teeth to fix an uneven bite. It is often considered with [bruxism](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding) or jaw pain. Your dentist will talk with you about whether it fits your case and what to expect. It is one of several choices, and a [night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard) may be another.

## Related terms

-   [Bruxism (teeth grinding)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding)
-   [Night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard)
-   [Occlusal splint](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/occlusal-splint)
-   [TMJ disorder (TMD)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tmj-disorder-tmd)
-   [Dental crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tmj)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)