My bite feels high after a new crown
A high bite after a crown placement is common and fixable. Contact your dentist for a quick adjustment rather than waiting—prolonged clenching can cause discomfort and damage.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose, DDS — September 21, 2026
What “high bite” means
After your crown is placed, your dentist checks that your bite feels even—that is, your new crown should make contact at roughly the same time and pressure as your other teeth. If the crown sits slightly too high, you’ll feel it hit first when you close your mouth, or it will feel like you’re biting down on one side more than the other.
Why it happens
When a crown is made in a lab, the dentist sends a mold and bite information, but final adjustments happen at delivery. Sometimes the bite needs fine-tuning because of how the crown was shaped, how it was cemented, or even slight swelling after preparation. This is not a failure—it’s a normal part of the fitting process.
Why you shouldn’t wait
If you notice the bite feels high, resist the urge to “wait and see if it settles.” Your mouth won’t adjust to an uneven bite; instead, you’ll likely start clenching or shifting how you chew to avoid the high spot. Over a few days, this can cause:
- Jaw soreness or tension
- Headaches, especially near the temples
- Discomfort in your jaw joint
- Damage to the crown itself from excessive force
- Stress on the tooth underneath the crown
Calling your dentist for an adjustment is the fastest, safest path forward.
What to expect at your adjustment appointment
Your dentist will ask you to close your mouth gently while they observe your bite. They’ll often use a thin piece of special marking paper between your teeth—you’ll bite down lightly, and the paper will leave tiny marks showing where contact is happening. If the crown is hitting too early or too hard, the mark will be darker or more pronounced on the crown.
The dentist then uses a small drill to carefully reshape the biting surface of the crown, removing tiny amounts until the contact is even. They’ll check your bite several times during the process. Once the contact feels balanced, they’re done. You shouldn’t feel any pain during adjustment, though you may hear the drill and feel vibration.
Related concerns
If your crown also feels sensitive to cold or hot after placement, that’s a separate issue. The crown itself shouldn’t be sensitive, but the tooth under it or the tooth next to it might be. See our guide on sensitive teeth after filling for more context. Sensitivity often improves over a few weeks as the tooth settles, but mention it at your adjustment visit.
For more context on what to expect during crown placement and how crowns are designed, review getting a dental crown: what to expect.
How MediMouth helps
If you’re a MediMouth patient and your bite feels high after a crown, contact your provider right away through our patient portal or by calling the office. We’ll schedule a quick adjustment visit. Our dentists understand that timely tweaks prevent bigger problems—and we’re here to make sure your new crown feels right.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a crown to feel high at first?
Some adjustment after crown placement is normal. However, if your bite feels noticeably off—especially if your upper or lower teeth hit the crown before your other teeth—that usually means the crown needs adjustment. Don't wait through a weekend of clenching; call your dentist.
What happens if I ignore a high bite?
Prolonged uneven contact can lead to jaw soreness, headaches, or damage to the crown or underlying tooth. It can also stress your jaw joint. A quick adjustment prevents these problems.
How long does a bite adjustment take?
Most adjustments take 15–30 minutes. Your dentist will use special marking paper to see where the crown is hitting too high, then gently reshape the biting surface until your contact feels even.