Correcting an improper bite (malocclusion) can be completed by a number of means depending on a patient's situation. But the goal is the elimination of disharmony of occlusal (biting) contacts.

At times occlusal correction may be a simple as minor adjustment of the the patient's natural teeth. This maybe accomplished by using selective equilibration or grinding of small areas of the enamel of the natural teeth to create an even and many times more esthetic situation. The enamel is very thick on the biting surfaces so no damage occurs during the procedure. The procedure is completed on models prior to completion in the patient's mouth to assure a very predicable result.

In other instances, where the natural teeth have significant wear or defects from decay or old restorations, a complete oral rehabilitation using crowns may be necessary to correct the bite problem. It is critical that the dentist has extensive prosthodontic training in this area so that the final result will solve the patient's biting problems.

Severe malocclusion if untreated may lead to the formation of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems and facial pain which in itself can be a significant hinderance in a patient's ability to function in everyday life.