Jaw pain, chronic headaches, and worn enamel are not problems you should simply accept. At Hawkins Dentistry in Marysville, Ohio, Dr. Kent Hawkins uses comprehensive bite analysis to identify the underlying cause of bite problems and design targeted treatment to resolve them. Whether you are grinding your teeth at night, experiencing clicking in your jaw, or noticing unexplained wear on your teeth, a professional bite evaluation can provide the answers and relief you are looking for. We serve patients from Marysville, Dublin, and Plain City, Ohio.
What Is Bite Analysis?
Bite analysis — also called occlusal analysis — is a detailed evaluation of how your upper and lower teeth come together during normal function. Dr. Kent Hawkins assesses the alignment of your bite, the distribution of chewing forces across your teeth, and the condition of your jaw joints and muscles. The goal is to identify any imbalances that may be causing discomfort, damage, or dysfunction.
Signs You May Have a Bite Problem
Many patients live with bite problems for years without connecting their symptoms to their bite. Common warning signs include:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning after sleeping
- Frequent tension headaches or migraines
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw joint
- Teeth that look shorter, flatter, or chipped without an obvious cause
- Unexplained tooth sensitivity that comes and goes
- Difficulty chewing comfortably or an uneven bite sensation
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a bite analysis at Hawkins Dentistry can help determine whether your bite is the root cause.
How Bite Analysis Works at Hawkins Dentistry
Dr. Kent Hawkins evaluates your bite using a combination of visual examination, dental X-rays, and digital bite analysis technology. Digital bite sensors measure the exact pressure and timing of your bite at specific points across your teeth, identifying imbalances that a visual exam alone cannot detect. This precise data allows Dr. Kent Hawkins to recommend targeted treatment rather than guesswork.
Treatment Options After Bite Analysis
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the bite issue. Dr. Kent Hawkins may recommend:
- Bite adjustment through selective reshaping or polishing of specific teeth to equalize pressure distribution
- A custom occlusal guard or night guard to protect teeth from grinding and reduce jaw muscle strain
- Dental restorations to replace old or poorly fitting crowns and fillings that are affecting your bite
- TMJ therapy for patients with jaw joint involvement
- Orthodontic referral for significant alignment issues
Dr. Kent Hawkins will explain all options clearly before any treatment begins. No work is done without your understanding and agreement.
Bite Analysis and TMJ Disorders
The jaw joint — the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ — is directly affected by bite imbalances. When teeth do not come together evenly, the jaw muscles must compensate, placing excessive strain on the joint. Over time, this can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which causes pain, limited jaw movement, and clicking sounds. Dr. Kent Hawkins evaluates bite health and TMJ function together to ensure a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
