Occlusal Disease
Occlusion is a term that is used to refer to the alignment of your teeth. Your teeth should fit easily within your mouth without any crowding or excess spacing. None of your teeth should be turned or twisted at odd angles. The teeth of your upper jaw should slightly overlap the teeth of your lower jaw so that the pointed ridges of your molars fit into the grooves of the opposite molar.
Deviations from ideal occlusion (dental alignment) are known as malocclusion. With a malocclusion, the teeth do not come together correctly when one bites.
If left untreated, occlusal problems can damage your teeth, the bones and gums around your teeth, and the jaw muscles you use for chewing. Any excessive or abnormally rapid tooth wear should not be dismissed as “natural aging or wear” of the teeth.
We can provide treatment to alleviate any pain and discomfort caused by malocclusion.
Signs and Symptoms of Malocclusion and Occlusal Disease
- Excessive wear of the tooth enamel
- Tooth cracking and breakage
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loss of bone
- Muscle pain
- Symptoms of TMJ (jaw problems and discomfort)
We want to preserve the oral health of all our patients and treating occlusal disease can lead to optimal oral health and successful dental treatment.
Contact our dental office and make an appointment. We are here to help: (802) 878-5591
Meet Your Dentists
What Sets Us Apart?
Experience
The professionals at Essex Family Dental are among the most skilled dental care teams in Vermont. Dr. J. Allen Feeley, Dr. Nathan Makay, and Dr. Anthony Castellano apply their expertise and consult with one another for the unique benefit of the people they treat.
Comfort
Your ease at our practice is very important to us, whether that means a comfortable waiting room, painless treatment, or feeling informed about your care. Our doctors are happy to educate you about your treatment options and our staff is always gentle.
Convenience
Essex Family Dental keeps the most convenient hours, offering appointments until 7pm Monday-Thursday, including morning and afternoon appointments on Friday and Saturday. We also schedule same-day treatment for patients with emergency needs.
A few words from our patients:
Four or five years ago, my son’s mother was not getting him to the dentist, and I only had him on the weekends, so I needed to find a dentist that had weekend hours. There are not many out there, and when I found EFD, I was pleasantly surprised. They have three or four dentists, but we have only ever seen Dr. Kanin. I like my other dentist as well, but the Saturday hours are what sold me on EFD. They also have a lot of evening hours available. Very convenient.
Dr Feeley and staff has given great care for the past 6 years. What impresses me most is their reliance on technology…from playing Sirius for their music to taking digital X-rays, the technology is top notch. The staff is friendly and a pleasure to deal with. I have 5 kids and take three of them here and two of them elsewhere.
This office is wonderful! They are so nice and professional, and sensitive to those who have had past bad experiences (me) or are timid about the dentist (my daughter). I finally found a good dentist in the area!