What is Occlusal Adjustment?

Watch this video to learn more about the importance of a healthy bite and how adjustments can be made to achieve perfect dental occlusion.

One of the most important aspect of dentistry is what we call occlusion. You may call it your bite, how your teeth fit together. This is a bedrock of good dental health. If your bite is not perfect, you might be able to live with it, but maybe you can’t. What does that mean to you?

Well, it may be driving you crazy. You may be grinding your teeth, you may be wearing your teeth out, increasing gum disease, causing headaches, just being uncomfortable. 24/7. We take our occlusion very seriously and all our restorations are designed to work with your mouth in harmony. So when you come in, we may be looking to your teeth.

We may want you to bite on special ink paper because we want to know how is it functioning? Does it make sense for you? What are your symptoms? We look at this at all your visits and check. There are many times we ask you, now bite and hold. And I’m looking around, I’m just not looking for cavities or gums. I’m going to see how your teeth meet. How do they function.

Without good occlusion, we can’t make good restorations that last, and we can’t make them comfortable. So please remember, if your teeth are not meeting together, they feel off or something, we can help you with that. It may mean full mouth rehabilitation, but more than likely we can make a few minor adjustments – what we call equilibration – to make your jaw slide, make it more comfortable and just feel good to you. So if you have a funny feeling that something is amiss, give us a call and we’ll be glad to talk to you about it.












    • REQUEST A CONSULTATION

      *Note: We do NOT accept CONFIRMATIONS or CANCELLATIONS via this form.
      If you need to confirm or cancel your appointment, please call our office.

    • I am very satisfied with the courtesy and professionalism that was shown to me during my visit!! The best dental service I’ve ever received and I would recommend to anyone!! – Lajuan D. / Google Review

    Request Appointment →

    About John Hopkins, DDS

    After attending Tulane University and receiving his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi in 1977, Dr. Hopkins graduated from the prestigious Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta, Georgia.

    At Emory, Dr. Hopkins studied directly under Dr. Ronald Goldstein, considered the father of modern aesthetic dentistry.

    Following graduation from Emory in 1981, Dr. Hopkins joined an esteemed multi-specialty practice in Palm Beach, Florida, where he honed his skills in numerous dental specialties: endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and aesthetics.

    While in Florida, Dr. Hopkins also completed the continuum at the Pankey Institute, the most renowned dental education institute in the world.

    Learn More About Dr. Hopkins

    Our Dental Services

    Read Our Gulfport Dental Blog

    Learn about the latest information and advancements in cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry.

    Affordable Mini Dental Implants in Gulfport, MS | Free Consultation!
    Learn About Minimally Invasive and Affordable Mini Dental Implants!

    Traditional dental implants are a tried and true method to replace teeth. With their 5-millimeter diameter and titanium build, these implants provide an incredibly strong foundation for restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures. However, these implants require an invasive surgical procedure due to their size. Additionally, they consist of multiple [...]

    Keep Reading
    Invisalign Alternatives in Gulfport, MS | Book a Free Consultation
    Invisalign Alternatives in Gulfport, MS

    Many look back on the 1980s with nostalgia. They consider it a simpler time—an age before social media and streaming services. But those needing orthodontic treatment may not romanticize such an era, as tooth realignment in those days meant unsightly metal braces and rubber bands or, worse still, cumbersome headgear. [...]

    Keep Reading
    Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants | Call for a Free Consultation!
    Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants: Breaking Down the Options

    Losing teeth can be a deeply stressful experience, often leading to anxiety that prevents patients from seeking restorative dental care. At the Centre for Smile Designs, we understand how overwhelming this can feel, especially with so many tooth replacement options available—from traditional bridges and dentures to dental implants. We’re here [...]

    Keep Reading
    READ MORE BLOG POSTS