Skip to content
Estero · Bonita Springs, FL
Estero Bay Dental helps patients in Estero and Bonita Springs with occlusal disease, with Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our team evaluating how your teeth fit together and recommending care that protects your teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
Occlusal disease is caused by a misalignment or incorrect relationship between the upper and lower dental arches, also called malocclusion. In simpler terms, your upper and lower teeth do not meet the way they should. Left untreated, it can damage your teeth, as well as the bone and gums around them, the temporomandibular joints, and the jaw muscles you use for chewing.
At Estero Bay Dental, Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our Estero, FL team look at the whole picture, from how your teeth wear to how your jaw feels, so we can help you preserve your oral health and plan for the long term.
Every time you bite, chew, or swallow, your teeth and jaw joints share the force. When the bite is out of balance, certain teeth can take more pressure than they were designed to handle. Over time, that extra load may lead to worn enamel, chipped or cracked teeth, sensitivity, and gums that pull back from the teeth.
Another aspect of occlusal disease is excessive wear that leads to discomfort. Many people dismiss this as a natural part of aging, but you do not have to simply live with it. Your dentist can evaluate what is happening and discuss treatment to help relieve the pain and discomfort that a poor bite can cause. In severe, long-neglected cases, damage can progress to significant tooth loss that may call for dental implants or other restorative work to rebuild a healthy, functional bite.
Because the changes tend to develop slowly, many patients do not connect their symptoms to the bite. The table below lists common signs and what each may be telling us.
| Sign | What You May Notice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Enamel Wear | Flattened, shortened, or worn-looking teeth | Enamel protects the tooth, so wear can lead to sensitivity and further damage. |
| Cracking or Breakage | Chips or cracks that keep happening | Repeated stress on the same teeth can weaken them. |
| Tooth Sensitivity | Discomfort with hot, cold, or biting pressure | Exposed inner layers of the tooth can react to temperature and pressure. |
| Gum Recession | Gums that appear to pull away from the teeth | Receding gums expose root surfaces that are more vulnerable. |
| Loss of Bone Support | Teeth that feel loose | Bone supports each tooth, so changes can affect long-term stability. |
| Muscle Pain | Sore jaw, face, or temples, especially in the morning | The chewing muscles may be working harder than they should. |
| TMJ Symptoms | Clicking, popping, or tightness near the jaw joint | The joint that connects your jaw to your skull may be under strain. |
Having one of these signs does not mean you have occlusal disease, since many can have other causes. A professional exam is the only way to know for sure. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research offers helpful public information on jaw joint and muscle disorders if you would like to read more.
An evaluation starts with listening. We ask about any jaw soreness, headaches, sensitivity, or habits such as clenching and grinding, and then we examine your teeth, gums, and the way your upper and lower teeth come together. We use digital X-rays and intraoral cameras so you can see what we see, and we explain our findings in plain language.
Treatment depends on what we find, so there is no single answer for every patient. Our goal is to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort, and we will always explain your choices before anything begins. The table below outlines the types of care that may come up in your plan.
| Option | When It May Be Considered |
|---|---|
| Night Guard | When clenching or grinding is contributing to wear, soreness, or cracked teeth |
| Crowns and Bridges | When teeth are worn, broken, or missing and need to be rebuilt or replaced |
| Clear Aligners | When crowded or misaligned teeth are part of the bite problem |
| Full Mouth Reconstruction | When damage is widespread and a coordinated plan is needed to restore function |
| Dental Implants | When teeth have been lost and need a long-term replacement |
Not every patient needs every option. In many cases, catching changes early means simpler care, which is one more reason to keep your regular exams.
We accept many PPO plans, and our team will review your benefits with you, so please see our insurance page for details. Patients without insurance can ask about our Smile Program, a discount program. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time.
Our Estero office on South Tamiami Trail welcomes patients from Estero, Bonita Springs, and nearby neighborhoods such as Pelican Landing, Pelican Sound, and Coconut Point. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, and our team speaks both English and Spanish.
Here are answers to questions we hear often about occlusal disease and bite problems.
Occlusal disease is damage related to a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, also called malocclusion. Over time it can affect the teeth, the bone and gums around them, the jaw joints, and the chewing muscles.
Common signs include enamel wear, cracked or broken teeth, tooth sensitivity, gum recession, loss of bone support, muscle pain, and TMJ symptoms. Our Estero, FL team can examine your teeth and tell you whether your bite may be playing a role.
Some wear is expected over the years, but excessive wear that causes discomfort is worth evaluating. At Estero Bay Dental we can look at what is causing it and discuss ways to protect your teeth.
Clenching and grinding can add stress to teeth and jaw joints, which may contribute to wear and soreness. If we see signs of it, we may talk with you about a night guard.
Yes. We offer night guards at our Estero office and can talk with you about whether one makes sense for your situation.
In severe, long-neglected cases, damage can progress to significant tooth loss. That is why we encourage regular exams, so changes can be noticed and addressed before they become more complicated.
Jaw soreness can have several causes, so the best step is an exam. Dr. Vigoa can evaluate your teeth and jaw at Estero Bay Dental and explain what he finds.
Yes. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time. We also accept many PPO plans and can review your benefits with you.
If your teeth look worn, your jaw feels sore, or you simply want to understand how your bite is affecting your oral health, our Estero, FL team is ready to help. We proudly serve patients throughout Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities. We invite you to contact our office or request an appointment today.
Dr. Vigoa holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree along with licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist and a Registered Nurse, and completed a two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at NYU Langone. Originally from Cuba, he is fully fluent in Spanish and welcomes patients from all cultural backgrounds.
Meet the Dentist