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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Why Is My Bite Off with My New Implant Bridge?

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Man holding the side of his face after biting an appleMy new implant bridge replaced two upper left teeth. Biting on that side of my mouth feels weird, like my bite is off. I did not have the issue before I got the bridge. My dentist tried to correct my bite twice, and after that, she suggested that I need orthodontics. She said that she does Invisalign, and we can discuss it during my next appointment. I feel like my dentist is trying to sell me something that I do not need. I am not sure what to do about it. How should I answer my dentist? Thanks. Luke, Austin, TX

 

Luke

With or without a dental bridge, your upper and lower teeth should touch simultaneously when you bite. If the problem continues, you can develop TMJ disorder.

What Causes Bite Misalignment with a New Implant Bridge?

When your bite is off with a new implant bridge, two possible causes are:

  1. The dentist restored the implants incorrectly
  2. The implant dentist or surgeon placed the implants in the wrong place

Dental implants restored incorrectly

A dentist must correctly attach implant crowns, a bridge, or a denture to implants. Also, the dentist must ensure the new replacement teeth harmonize with your bite.

Dental implants in the wrong place

If a dentist and oral surgeon do not communicate closely, the surgeon may position the implants in a way that makes it challenging or impossible to place your bridge correctly. This problem occurs if the dentist does not give the oral surgeon a surgical guide for your mouth. A surgical guide is a template for your implants’ exact angle and position.

Schedule a Second Opinion

Please do not consider orthodontic treatment. Although your dentist may want you to get Invisalign, it does not seem that orthodontic treatment is the solution to your issue. We recommend getting a second opinion from an implant dentist with advanced training or who partners with an oral surgeon to place dental implants. The implant dentist will determine if the location of your implants, your bridge—or both—must be corrected to fix your bite.

Best wishes for a speedy resolution.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Dental implant crowns make my mouth and teeth burn

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Almost two years ago, I received four implant crowns. After getting the crowns, my teeth feel dry. And the way my upper teeth hit my lower teeth was uncomfortable. My bite was heavy in places, and I developed the habit of tapping my teeth together. I’ve seen my dentist repeatedly for adjustments. Now I think that I have burning mouth syndrome. By mid-morning each day, the backsides of my front teeth are burning. I chew gum all day to keep the saliva flow going. My dentist told me that I need a gum specialist because nothing is wrong with my crowns. Another dentist gave me a second opinion and said my crowns are well-positioned. If that’s the case, why can’t I stop clicking my teeth together? I don’t know what to do next. Stephen from CT

 

Stephen,

Your experience gives us the impression that your dentist doesn’t have the skill and expertise to place four implant crowns all at once on upper teeth. Although Dr. Szarek would need to examine your teeth for an accurate diagnosis, we will use your description to suggest what might be happening.

How crowns affect your bite

If your upper teeth are uncomfortably hitting your lower teeth, your crowns are disrupting your bite. When a dentist places crowns correctly, your bite will feel natural and comfortable without thinking about it. But your bite immediately felt awkward and is causing you to tap your teeth together.

Referral to a gum specialist

If your bite is off and your crowns are causing the problem, a gum specialist (periodontist) is not the answer.

Second opinion dentist

Although your crowns look perfect, your bite can still be off. When dentists place multiple crowns, they must follow occlusal principles. Your teeth must meet simultaneously and be positioned to ensure tooth function is not compromised. Although you had a second opinion, we recommend getting a third opinion.

Look for a dentist who has post-graduate training in occlusion and bite. Many dental schools don’t offer enough occlusion training for dentists to understand how to place multiple crowns at once. Find a dentist with post-graduate training in occlusion, bite, or full-mouth reconstruction from at least one of these training facilities:

  • Pankey Institute
  • Dawson Academy
  • Spear Education Center
  • Las Vegas Institute

Dry teeth and burning mouth

Diagram of three phases of dental implants, for information on implants and diabetes from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Dental implant crowns can make or break yorur bite

Burning mouth syndrome might be the cause of your dry teeth and burning sensation in your mouth. The stress from your bad dental experience might be the trigger for your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress is a secondary trigger for burning mouth syndrome.

After you find an advanced cosmetic dentist with training in occlusion and bite, you can receive implant crowns that look beautiful and function correctly. And your quality of life will improve.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, of Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.