There are many ways to equilibrate a patient, but the end result is to allow for the teeth to come together with the muscles we use around the mouth relaxed and with the TMJ in its anatomically correct position.  Teeth dictate position of the TMJ and contraction or relaxation of the muscles of mastication.  When all the teeth do not come together at the same time with equal forces on each tooth, or do not function properly while eating or grinding due to poor positions, the end result is TMJ strain and muscle pain.

At HDS we make bite adjustments by taking clinical photos, detailed impressions of the teeth and a deprogrammed bite.  A deprogrammed bite is a special way to record the way the teeth come together with the TMJ in its most anatomically stable position and the muscles relaxed.  On a chewing simulator, models of patients teeth are allowed to touch and small discrepancies in the bite are recorded and mapped, then the information is taken back to the patient where informed decisions can be made to help build a better bite.