Occlusal adjustments and braces serve unique purposes in dental care. Occlusal equilibration adjusts the teeth’s surfaces to correct the alignment of your bite quickly, making it ideal for addressing TMJ disorders and other misalignments. In contrast, braces gradually move teeth to fix positioning issues like gaps or crowding. While braces change the position of teeth for alignment, occlusal equilibration reshapes the teeth for immediate bite improvement and comfort. *In some cases, orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligner therapy) may be the ideal first step in working towards a harmonious bite and outcome.