How to treat bite collapse or exchange pain for a new smile?

We would like to thank our patient Eric W. for letting us use his photos and story for this E-Smile newsletter
Eric came to us a few months ago complaining about consistent pain on both sides of his jaw joint, missing and broken teeth, a deep crease above the upper lip and a toothless smile. All of these symptoms derive from what is called the posterior bite collapse.

Our bite – the relation between our upper and lower teeth – defines the structure and balance of our face, our chewing muscles and comfort of our jaw joint.

If some of our teeth are missing, or they get worn down because of neglect or grinding, bite relation and height becomes reduced or “collapses”. As a result, our facial expression changes, we look older, our smile disappears and chronic pain develops in the jaw joint. To treat bite collapse, we first build an immediate occlusal guard (see photos below) and have the patient wear the guard 24/7 for a several weeks. After a few adjustments, teeth and jaw joints are sufficiently realigned, pain disappears and we register the height of the new, correct bite.

This new height – the distance between lower and upper teeth – becomes a guide for new crowns, bridges or veneer restorations. As one can see, the new smile looks much better, with full-length masculine teeth and most importantly relieves the associated pain.