Gentle Dental Services

Equilibrations

An equilibration is a gentle reshaping of the slopes of the teeth in order to regain the original design.  For simplification, we refer to the procedure as a sharpening of the functional (chewing) cusps.  The purpose is simple, does not hurt and only a minute amount of enamel is removed.

Guard

Treatment or management of DCS is on two levels engineering and psychological.  An equilibration of the teeth takes care of the engineering. It makes the teeth more comfortable during mastication by reducing the stress at the gingiva (gumline).  A guard provides management for the psychological aspect. It is normal for many people to clench and grind while sleeping. It just means the mind is busy.  A comfortable guard is not to stop clenching/grinding but to provide a buffer to protect the enamel.

Additional information about Dr. McCoy's specialty, Dental Compression Syndrome.