Raising the bite joint in braces - Why are 70% of customers "required" to have the joint lifted?

During the braces process, many people worry that they will have to eat porridge for months because they cannot chew. In fact, the main cause is not due to excessive pain, but mostly due to bite elevation - a supporting technique in orthodontics. According to statistics, up to 70% of braces patients need joint lift to ensure smooth tooth movement. 

The article below will help you clearly understand what occlusal augmentation is, why it is necessary, whether it is harmful, and how to adapt when prescribed by your doctor. The content is expertly consulted by Dr. Ha Linh - orthodontic expert atLac Viet Intech dentistry.

What is bite lift?

Bite lift(also known as joint lift) is a specialized dental technique, performed during the braces process. This technique uses dental material (usually composite or Fuji) to create a fake "touch point", making the upper and lower teeth not touch each other directly when chewing.

70% of customers are "forced" to lift the joint

The main purpose of lifting the bite is:

• Creating space:Helps the teeth move smoothly without being hindered by the bite force from the opposing jaw.

• Protection of bites. Braces:Prevent the upper teeth from touching and loosening the braces on the lower jaw (especially in cases of deep bite).

• Reduce chewing force:Helps reduce pressure on teeth and wires, supporting the process of moving teeth more smoothly.

See more:Handbook when braces

Why do you have to lift the joint when wearing braces?

Joint augmentation is not a required technique for everyone, but is extremely necessary for about 70% of braces cases. This technique is often applied in the following specific cases:

 1. Deep bite

This is a condition in which the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth. If the joint is not raised, when chewing, the upper front teeth will bite directly into the lower jaw braces, causing the braces to slip, interrupting the treatment process and possibly causing tooth damage. Raising the joint will help separate the two teeth, creating a safe space for the teeth to move. 

Customers must lift the joint when experiencing a deep bite

2. Reverse bite

Also known as underbite, is when the lower teeth are on the outside compared to the upper teeth. Raising the bite helps eliminate the obstruction between the two jaws, creating favorable conditions for the upper teeth to move out and the lower teeth to move in, bringing the bite to the correct position.

Clients with a deep bite are "forced" to have their joints lifted

3. Teeth are crowded and severely crooked

In these casesteeth grow haphazardly, severe crowding, raising the joint will create the necessary space for the teeth to move and rearrange in the correct position, avoiding collision with each other or the braces, ensuring the braces process is effective.

Common occlusal elevation positions

Bite lift can be performed in many different positions, depending on the condition of each person's teeth. The two most common locations are:

• Raising the molar joint:The doctor will place the joint augmentation material on the chewing surface of tooth number 6 or number 7 in the upper or lower jaw. This method helps separate the entire bite, creating space for the front teeth to move easily. Articulation of the molar area usually causes less discomfort and is easier to adapt to.

• Articulation of the incisal area:Articulation material is placed on the lingual surface of 2-4 upper incisors. When biting again, the jaws only touch the articular lift of the front teeth. This method often causes more friction and difficulty chewing than lifting the joint in the molars, but in some specific cases, this is a necessary choice.

Living with the new "touch point": Note after raising the joint

After raising the bite, you will feel uncomfortable, have jaw fatigue and have difficulty chewing. However, you can completely adapt.

• Adaptation time:This uncomfortable feeling usually only lasts for the first 1-2 weeks.

• Diet:In the first 1-2 days, you should eat soft, liquid foods such as porridge, soup, smoothies to get used to the new bite. Limit foods that are too hard or too chewy to avoid peeling off the joint lift material.

• Abstinence:You need to abstain from eating and chewing for 1-2 hours after the joint lift to let the material harden completely.

• Handling when it comes off:If the joint lift material comes off, contact the dentist immediately to reattach it to avoid affecting the treatment process and slowing down the progress of braces.

The duration of joint augmentation is not fixed and can last from several weeks to several months. The doctor will remove it when the bite has been adjusted and the teeth have moved enough to no longer need the support of the bite lift.

Answering common misunderstandings about bite lifts

There are many questions and misunderstandings surrounding bite lifts. Below are the most frequently asked questions:

• Is joint augmentation caused by the doctor's incorrect technique?Absolutely not. Joint augmentation is part of a professional treatment regimen, not a technical error. This is a necessary support technique to help the braces process go more smoothly.

• Does joint augmentation cause the temporomandibular joint to misalign?If done properly, joint augmentation not only does not cause harm but also helps reorient the temporomandibular joint to the ideal position.

• Does augmentation weaken the teeth?This is only a temporary technique, does not adversely affect the strength of the teeth. Teeth will not be weak or loose if you take care of them properly.

Conclusion

Bite augmentation is an extremely important support technique, helping the braces process take place safely, smoothly and achieve optimal results. Although it may cause some initial discomfort, this feeling is completely adaptable and does not affect daily activities.

If your doctor prescribes a bite lift, trust the treatment plan and persevere. The end result will be a beautiful smile and an ideal bite.