Occlusal Adjustments & Guards

A misaligned bite can quietly make your days harder — sore jaws in the morning, headaches that seem to come from nowhere, teeth that are wearing unevenly. At Inova Dental Clinic, Dr. Jafari finds the source of that discomfort and treats it directly, with occlusal adjustments and custom-fit guards that protect your teeth and your jaw for the long term.

Occlusal Adjustments & Guards in Sterling, VA

Your bite should feel balanced and effortless. When it doesn’t, the cause is usually occlusal interference — spots where teeth meet at the wrong angle or with uneven pressure. Over time that imbalance puts stress on your jaw joints, muscles, and enamel in ways that add up.

Signs your bite may need attention

• Jaw pain or soreness when you wake up
• Chronic headaches or migraines without a clear cause
• Teeth that feel uneven when you bite down
• Noticeable wear, chips, or cracks on your teeth
• Clicking or popping in your jaw joint

These symptoms often point to bruxism (nighttime grinding), a shifted tooth, an old restoration that’s slightly off, or a combination of factors. Dr. Jafari will take a close look at your bite to figure out exactly what’s going on before recommending any treatment.

Occlusal adjustments

An occlusal adjustment is a precise reshaping of the biting surfaces of specific teeth — removing tiny high spots that throw your bite off balance. The procedure is comfortable and typically takes a single visit. If underlying damage is present, Dr. Jafari may pair the adjustment with restorative treatment to rebuild the affected teeth and get everything working together properly.

Occlusal guards (night guards)

When grinding or clenching is the main driver, a custom night guard is often the most effective protection. Unlike over-the-counter trays, a guard made here is fitted precisely to your teeth — it stays in place comfortably, absorbs clenching forces, and keeps your enamel and jaw joints from taking the hit while you sleep.

What to expect at your visit

Dr. Jafari will examine your teeth, jaw, and bite carefully — often using bite-registration paper to map exactly where pressure is concentrated. From there she’ll walk you through what she finds and what she recommends. Most occlusal adjustments are done in one appointment; guards are fabricated from impressions and ready at a follow-up visit.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does an occlusal adjustment involve?

Dr. Jafari uses fine dental instruments to smooth or reshape small areas of tooth enamel where your bite is uneven. The goal is a balanced, even bite with no single tooth taking disproportionate force. It’s a conservative, painless procedure — no drilling, no anesthesia needed in most cases.

How do I know if I need a night guard or an adjustment — or both?

It depends on the cause of your symptoms. A bite adjustment addresses structural misalignment; a night guard manages the force of grinding and clenching. Many patients benefit from both. After examining your bite and reviewing your symptoms, Dr. Jafari will recommend whichever approach fits your situation.

Is getting an occlusal adjustment painful?

No. The procedure involves gentle reshaping of enamel and is generally well-tolerated without any anesthesia. Most patients feel immediate relief from the bite pressure that was causing their discomfort.

How long does a custom night guard last?

With regular cleaning and routine checkups, most night guards last several years. Dr. Jafari will check yours at your regular visits and let you know when it’s time for a replacement.

Can children or teenagers get occlusal adjustments?

Occlusal adjustments are typically done once the adult teeth are fully in. For younger patients who grind their teeth, Dr. Jafari will advise on age-appropriate options at your visit.

Does insurance cover occlusal guards and adjustments?

Coverage varies by plan. Inova Dental Clinic accepts Medicaid and most major insurance. Call us at (703) 433-1400 or ask at your visit and we’ll help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.

If jaw pain, grinding, or an uneven bite has been bothering you, there’s a straightforward path to feeling better. Call us at (703) 433-1400 or schedule a visit — Dr. Jafari will take it from there.