Patient has an occlusal guard but multiple adjustments have not helped, and their chief complaint is 'Something is wrong with my bite.' What do you do next?

Correct answer: C. Refer for imaging studies (radiographs)

• A. Already attempted multiple times without success — repeating it is not the appropriate next step.
• B. Refining the guard further has already failed repeatedly, so this is not the most appropriate next step.
• C. Correct. When repeated occlusal adjustments fail to resolve a persistent bite complaint, the next logical step is to investigate further with imaging (e.g., to rule out TMJ pathology or other structural causes) rather than repeating the same failed approach.
• D. Dismissing a persistent symptom without further investigation is inappropriate clinical management.