Occlusion & Bite Alignment
at River Bluff Dental
When most people think of dental care, they focus on the basics—brushing, flossing, and checkups. But how your teeth come together when you bite, chew, or speak—called occlusion—is just as important. A healthy bite keeps your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles working in harmony. If something’s even slightly off, it can create a ripple effect of discomfort and damage over time.
What Is Occlusion?
Occlusion is the term dentists use to describe how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Ideally, all your teeth should come together evenly, allowing your jaw to move smoothly and without strain. If this balance is disrupted, it can affect not just your teeth but also your jaw joints (TMJ), muscles, and even posture.
Even routine dental procedures like fillings or crowns can throw off your bite if they’re not aligned correctly. That’s why every treatment at River Bluff Dental includes an occlusal evaluation.
Why a Healthy Bite Is So Important
The Real Risks of Malocclusion
An imbalanced bite—also known as malocclusion—can lead to a long list of oral health concerns, including:
Bite problems can be subtle at first, but they tend to escalate. That’s why early detection and correction is critical.
Signs You Might Have a Bite Problem
Is Your Bite Telling You Something?
Bite problems often cause discomfort before they’re visible. You might experience:
If these symptoms sound familiar, it could be time for a bite evaluation.
Why Dr. Palmer Focuses on Occlusion
Advanced Bite Care, Right Here in Minnesota
Dr. Palmer is passionate about solving bite-related problems—because he’s seen how much relief the right care can bring. He studied advanced occlusion with Dr. Gordon Christensen, Advanced Occlusal therapy at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and is also a Faculty Club Member at Spear where is continues to learn an advanced approach to detect and treat bite issues that often go unnoticed.
Unlike general approaches that fix the obvious, Dr. Palmer applies advanced diagnostics and precise treatments to address the root cause—helping patients who have struggled with symptoms for years finally find relief.
The Science Behind a Balanced Bite
Bite Mechanics 101: What Dr. Palmer Looks For
Bite balance isn’t guesswork—it’s science. Dr. Palmer follows three core principles during every bite evaluation:
Even Contact Across All Teeth
Pressure should be distributed evenly to prevent cracked teeth or stress on dental restorations.
Anterior Guidance
Your front teeth should guide your jaw during side and forward movements, protecting the back teeth and reducing grinding.
Smooth, Unrestricted Jaw Movement
Your jaw should move freely and comfortably. Misalignment can make it feel stuck and cause long-term TMJ issues.
How We Evaluate and Correct Your Bite
Bite Solutions Tailored to You
No two bites are the same. That’s why River Bluff Dental uses detailed diagnostics and a personalized approach. Based on your unique situation, Dr. Palmer may recommend:
● Occlusal Equilibration
Fine-tuning biting surfaces to improve balance
● Restorative Dentistry
Crowns or fillings shaped to restore healthy alignment
● Occlusal Splints (Nightguards)
To prevent grinding and cushion the bite
● Orthodontic Treatment
Braces or aligners to guide teeth into ideal position
We also verify bite alignment after any dental procedure to ensure long-term comfort and functionality.