02. Molar Only Coverage Bite Wafer for Occlusion

Your bite and how your teeth touch each other has a big impact on your cranial bone, jaw and neck alignment which then affects your entire postural alignment below. If your current bite pattern is negatively impacting your postural system, using a bite wafer can provide a neutral and flat surface for a new sense of contact though your teeth, jaw and head. This in turn can allow your postural system to relax into a more neutral alignment and state of being.

For the molar only bite plate, you will need to trim your bite wafer as shown in the picture so that only your molars are in contact. This type of contact tends to work best for individuals whose front teeth (incisors) are too close together such as contacting too much upon mouth closure. They may even be completely on top of each other in what we refer to as an "edge to edge" bite. Sometimes the lower incisors may even be crossing in front of the upper incisors in what is referred to as a "class III occlusion."

This new bite pattern appropriately activates and inhibits muscles in a manner that balances your postural system providing you a more grounded experience inside your body. A new way of sensing and expressing yourself may arise with a new feeling in your bite.

Instructions:

Get your inexpensive bite wafer here.
Trim your bite wafer so it looks as depicted in the photo above. When you put it in your mouth only your molars should be touching. Use a mirror to ensure this.

Without anything in your mouth, perform the neck and shoulder Physical Resonance Tests to get a baseline of how you feel and your current range of motion. The Nasal Occlusion Test is also a helpful tool to determine how your occlusion could be impacting your ability to breathe through your nose.
Place the molar only bite wafer in your mouth and gently let your teeth contact the plate.
Recheck your range of motion and nasal occlusion tests.
1. If you find using a bite wafer helps reduce tension, improves your breathing and/or increases your comfortable range of motion this could be a beneficial technique for you. If so, keep the bite wafer in your mouth for 3 minutes up to as long as you feel comfortable. You may find that this helps reduce tension in your head, neck and/or jaw. Using the bite wafer can be beneficial while you are:
  1. Exercising
  2. Doing computer/screen work
  3. Watching TV
  4. Or something else
If your neck range of motion does not improve, it is recommended to try the Unilateral Bite Plate or the Full Coverage Plate.

If you have improvement in your neck range of motion with this bite plate, it indicates your bite is connected to tension in your neck.

You may benefit from addressing your occlusion through any of the following:

Least investment:
- Try an over-the-counter moldable bite guard such as this product over your BOTTOM teeth. You could wear it while working at the computer, during exercise and/or even during sleep. This might be enough of a stimulus for your nervous system to be able to let go of problematic tension patterns in your head, jaw and/or neck.
Moderate investment:
- You may be best served with a custom made lower occlusal splint/appliance fabricated by a dentist. We only recommend these cover your BOTTOM teeth.
  - If you find using a molar coverage only bite wafer significantly helps reduce any symptoms in your body, you likely would benefit from a custom made GELB lower/mandibular oral appliance or splint (sometimes also called a mouthguard) balanced and equilibrated by a dentist.
Highest investment:
- For some, occlusal appliances are not enough and an orthodontic approach is necessary to permanently correct the bite. Most of the time when there is malocclusion, there is a restriction in the upper arch where it is not large enough to accommodate balanced occlusal relationships. Therefore, we find that when addressing malocclusion through orthodontia, expansion of the arches is often necessary. It is important to be aware of the difference between "dental" vs "skeletal" types of expansion. We have found great success with skeletal based expansion orthodontia such as MARPE and generally prefer this approach. However, keep in mind that many dentists are not familiar or trained in this method and you will need to seek out a specialist.

Disclaimer and Copyright

Back

Donate