When the “Tooth Problem” Is Really a System Problem
Some dental problems are not isolated to a single tooth. Repeated fractures, excessive wear, failing restorations, jaw discomfort or instability can be influenced by how the teeth function together, how forces are distributed, and—in some cases—how a patient breathes.
At Stevenson Dental Group, we evaluate function, bite, and airway factors when clinically appropriate and integrate those findings into long-term treatment planning.
This Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Focus
Not every patient requires a functional or airway evaluation. We apply this lens selectively, based on clinical findings, history, symptoms, and patterns of breakdown or failure.
Our goal is clarity and predictability—not complexity for its own sake.
Why Function and Bite Matter
Dentistry lasts when it is designed for the forces it will experience. When bite forces are excessive, unstable, or poorly distributed, teeth and restorations may fail despite otherwise sound technique.
Functional evaluation may help explain:
- Repeated crown or filling failure
- Severe or uneven tooth wear
- Bite instability after dental work
- Jaw soreness, fatigue, or joint discomfort
- Headaches associated with clenching or grinding
When function is a contributing factor, treatment planning shifts—from simply fixing a tooth to stabilizing the system that supports it.
Clenching, Grinding, and Parafunction
Many patients clench or grind without being aware of it. These forces can exceed what natural teeth and restorations are designed to tolerate.
When parafunction is present, we evaluate:
- Wear and fracture risk
- How restorations should be designed to reduce overload
- Whether protective strategies, such as occlusal guards, are appropriate
The objective is to reduce risk, so dentistry performs well over time.
Airway Considerations (When Indicated)
In some patients, airway and breathing patterns can influence oral development, sleep quality, fatigue, dry mouth, and long-term dental risk.
When history and findings warrant it, we may screen for airway-related risk indicators, including discussion of:
- Sleep quality, snoring, and daytime fatigue
- Oral and facial development patterns, particularly in children
- Dry mouth and related risk factors
- How airway considerations may affect restorative planning
When appropriate, we coordinate with relevant medical providers. Our role is to identify dental and functional implications, explain why they matter, and integrate them thoughtfully into care.
How We Evaluate Function
Evaluation is guided by findings and may include a review of symptoms and history, an assessment of wear and fracture patterns, bite stability, and diagnostic tests to support planning when necessary.
If functional or airway factors are not contributing meaningfully, we do not pursue additional complexity.
What These Changes in Treatment Planning
When function, bite, or airway factors are relevant, they may influence:
- Whether care is staged or sequenced differently
- Material selection and restorative design
- The use of protective appliances
- Long-term maintenance and monitoring strategies
The objective is simple: stable conditions that support durable dentistry.
Who Typically Benefits from This Focus
- Patients with repeated fractures or restoration failures
- Individuals with significant wear or bite instability
- Patients with jaw fatigue, discomfort, or clenching habits
- Complex restorative cases where long-term stability is critical
- Children with developmental patterns where airway screening may be relevant
Next Steps
If you suspect your concerns may involve bite forces, functional strain, or airway-related factors, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation. We will explain findings clearly, discuss relevance, and outline options based on risk and long-term prognosis.