Improving the bite by filing teeth down.

liss90

Hello all,
I really need some advice if possible. I have been to the dentist for the first time in ten years. Thankfully no fillings needed but have been told my bite is class 3 and that I am wearing my jaw away due to the way I eat.
I had braces but my teeth have nearly moved back to their original position. The dentist has said that they did not take enough teeth away.
He has said that he will improve the bite by filing the back ones down. How does this work? Is this safe etc?
Any advice gratefully recieved!

Toothsmith

Very very hard to say without seeing just exactly how the teeth do bite together, and move against each other.

Occlusion (The way teeth bite together) can be a complete minefield.

If a patient is having no problems from the way their teeth bite together, my inclination is always to leave things alone.

By altering the way things bite, it's always possible that you could stir up a whole load of trouble. The muscles that move the jaw can become unbalanced, and lead to jaw problems, headaches, backaches, etc.

If this guy really knows what he's doing, and has done lots of courses on occlusion, then it's probably OK.

My biggest question would be to do with the wear though.

If it's the first time you've been to a dentist is 10 years, and it's the first time EVER that you've seen this dentist, how does he KNOW your teeth are wearing down??

Parts of them may LOOK worn, but there can be many reasons for that - and it doesn't mean to say that they are STILL wearing down.

This is one of those cases where a long-term relationship with a dentist really pays off. I wouldn't have anything done until it could be proved your teeth are still wearing down, and at a rate that might give you problems if nothing is done about it.

Even so, there are still things like night time bite guards that can be made before a drill is taken to your teeth.

I would ask a lot more questions before you allow this to happen.

liss90

Thanks for the reply.
It is not my teeth that are wearing down. It is where my jaw meets. The dentist showed me an xray of my jaw and there is a gap on one side. He told me that unless I get it fixed I am heading for major problems.
I already experience headaches but had put this down to stress etc.
The dentist has many years of experience. I know I have been stupid not to go to the dentist but we have no NHS dentists where we are.
I turned 36 a few weeks ago and had a bit of a mid life crisis. Decided to pay privately for a dentist. He has told me I have really strong teeth and good oral care and health.
Just this jaw problem. I am concerned that by filing down tooth or teeth the enamel will be wrecked.
What would you suggest I do as I need to get this fixed.
Thanks again.

Toothsmith

If you are happy that it has all been well explained to you and that the dentist knows what's going on - then go for it.