Why your dental checkup includes your bite
The bite check looks at how the upper and lower teeth meet when you close and slide, because uneven or heavy contacts can explain worn or chipped edges, cracked teeth, loose teeth, sore jaw muscles and joint noises, and because the bite is where fillings, crowns and aligners have to work. It is a quick part of the exam, usually with a visual check, finger pressure on teeth and jaw muscles, and sometimes marking paper.
What the dentist is looking for
- Wear patterns and flattened edges, which point to grinding (NIDCR)
- Chips and crack lines (AAE)
- Teeth that move under pressure
- Gum recession at heavily loaded teeth
- Crowding or spacing that affects cleaning or loading
- How the front teeth guide the jaw sideways
- Muscle tenderness and joint sounds (NIDCR)
- High spots on recent restorations
Why it matters for treatment
A filling placed high aches; a crown that takes too much load chips; aligners change the bite and need an end point planned; a veneer on a tooth that takes heavy edge contact breaks. Checking the bite first changes design.
What you can report
Jaw tiredness on waking, a tooth that hits first, chipped edges, clicking, headaches at the temples, or a restoration that feels different.
What may follow
Nothing, if the bite is even and the teeth are intact. A guard if grinding is damaging teeth. An adjustment of a high spot. A fuller assessment if the bite is unstable or teeth are worn.
The studio lists bite assessment within its examinations (studio).
Next step: Request a consultation or call (805) 565-5111. A request is not a confirmed appointment; the office confirms times during its listed hours (Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, plus select Fridays).
Bite-check self-report
| Sign | Yes / no |
|---|---|
| Jaw tired or sore on waking | |
| One tooth hits first when I tap my teeth | |
| Chipped or flattened edges | |
| Clicking or catching in the jaw | |
| Temple headaches | |
| A restoration that feels high |
Bring to the check-up.
Guides are general education; an examination is needed for individual advice.
Sources
- Bruxism — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Six Things You Need to Know About Stress-Related Tooth Injuries Like Cracked Teeth (Aug 2021) — American Association of Endodontists
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Loul Dental Studio: Services — Loul Dental Studio
Sources were current when this guide was last updated.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Please contact the studio to discuss your own situation.