Occlusion, in a dental context, means simply the contact between teeth. More technically, it is the relationship between the
maxillaryThe maxilla is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw. This is similar to the mandible , which is also a fusion of two halves at the mental symphysis. Sometimes , the maxilla is sometimes called "upper maxilla", with the mandible being the "lower maxilla"...
(upper) and
mandibularThe mandible or inferior maxillary bone forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth in place. It also refers to both the upper and lower sections of the beaks of birds; in this case the "lower mandible" corresponds to the mandible of humans while the "upper mandible" is functionally equivalent...
(lower) teeth when they approach each other, as occurs during chewing or at rest.
MalocclusionA malocclusion is a misalignment of teeth and/or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. The upper arch is called the maxilla and the lower is called the mandible.-Presentation:...
is the misalignment of teeth and jaws, or more simply, a "bad bite." Malocclusion can cause number of health and dental problems.
Static occlusion refers to contact between teeth when the jaw is closed and stationary, while
dynamic occlusion refers to occlusal contacts made when the jaw is moving, as with chewing.
Centric occlusion is the occlusion a person makes when they close their jaw and fit their teeth together in
maximum intercuspationIn dentistry, maximum intercuspation refers to the occlusal position of the mandible in which the cusps of the teeth of both arches fully interpose themselves with the cusps of the teeth of the opposing arch...
.
Occlusion, in a dental context, means simply the contact between teeth. More technically, it is the relationship between the
maxillaryThe maxilla is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw. This is similar to the mandible , which is also a fusion of two halves at the mental symphysis. Sometimes , the maxilla is sometimes called "upper maxilla", with the mandible being the "lower maxilla"...
(upper) and
mandibularThe mandible or inferior maxillary bone forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth in place. It also refers to both the upper and lower sections of the beaks of birds; in this case the "lower mandible" corresponds to the mandible of humans while the "upper mandible" is functionally equivalent...
(lower) teeth when they approach each other, as occurs during chewing or at rest.
MalocclusionA malocclusion is a misalignment of teeth and/or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. The upper arch is called the maxilla and the lower is called the mandible.-Presentation:...
is the misalignment of teeth and jaws, or more simply, a "bad bite." Malocclusion can cause number of health and dental problems.
Static occlusion refers to contact between teeth when the jaw is closed and stationary, while
dynamic occlusion refers to occlusal contacts made when the jaw is moving, as with chewing.
Centric occlusion is the occlusion a person makes when they close their jaw and fit their teeth together in
maximum intercuspationIn dentistry, maximum intercuspation refers to the occlusal position of the mandible in which the cusps of the teeth of both arches fully interpose themselves with the cusps of the teeth of the opposing arch...
. It is also referred to as a person's habitual bite, bite of convenience, or intercuspation position (ICP).
Centric relation, not to be confused with
centric occlusion, is a relationship between the upper and lower jaw.
Occlusal problems
Malocclusion can cause a number of problems, not just with teeth, but with gums, the
temporomandibular jointThe temporomandibular joint is the joint of the jaw and is frequently referred to as TMJ. There are two TMJs, one on either side, working in unison. The name is derived from the two bones which form the joint: the upper temporal bone which is part of the cranium , and the lower jaw bone called the...
(TMJ), and jaw muscles. Teeth, fillings, and crowns may wear, break, or loosen, and teeth may be tender or ache. Receding gums can be exacerbated by a faulty bite. TMJ problems, broadly termed
temporomandibular joint disorderTemporomandibular joint disorder , or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment...
or TMJ syndrome, can include clicking, grinding, or pain in the jaw joint, ringing or buzzing in the ears, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. If the jaw is mispositioned, jaw muscles may have to work harder, which can lead to fatigue and or muscle spasms. This in turn can lead to headaches or migraines, eye or sinus pain, and pain in the neck, shoulder, or even back. Untreated damaging malocclusion can lead to
occlusal traumaOcclusal trauma is a dental term that refers to the damage incurred when teeth are left in traumatic occlusion without proper treatment.When the maxillary and mandibular dental arches approach each together, as they do, for example, during chewing or at rest, the relationship between the opposing...
.
Some of the treatments for different occlusal problems include tooth adjustments, replacement of teeth, medication (usually temporary), a diet of softer foods, relaxation therapy for stress-related clenching. Fixed appliances, known as orthodontic or dental braces, may be used to adjust the occlusion, and removable appliances, called
occlusal splintOcclusal splints are removable dental appliances carefully molded to fit the upper or lower arches of teeth....
s, may be used for adjustment as well as for other purposes.
See also
- Malocclusion
A malocclusion is a misalignment of teeth and/or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. The upper arch is called the maxilla and the lower is called the mandible.-Presentation:...
- "bad bite"
- Occlusal trauma
Occlusal trauma is a dental term that refers to the damage incurred when teeth are left in traumatic occlusion without proper treatment.When the maxillary and mandibular dental arches approach each together, as they do, for example, during chewing or at rest, the relationship between the opposing...
- problems that arise from untreated damaging occlusions
- Mutually protected occlusion
In dentistry, a mutually protected occlusion is an occlusal scheme in which the anterior teeth protect the posterior teeth, and vice versa.The anterior teeth protect the posterior teeth by providing for a plane of guidance during excursions, thus allowing the cusps of the posterior teeth to...
- the way front and back teeth protect each other
- Vertical dimension of occlusion
Vertical dimension of occlusion, or VDO, is a term used in dentistry to indicate the superior-inferior relationship of the maxilla and the mandible when the teeth are situated in maximum intercuspation....
- a type of jaw measurement
- Occlusal splint
Occlusal splints are removable dental appliances carefully molded to fit the upper or lower arches of teeth....
- used to treat malocclusions and bruxismBruxism is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw. It is an oral parafunctional activity that occurs in most humans at some time in their lives. In most people, bruxism is mild enough not to be a health problem...
- Maximum intercuspation
In dentistry, maximum intercuspation refers to the occlusal position of the mandible in which the cusps of the teeth of both arches fully interpose themselves with the cusps of the teeth of the opposing arch...
, formerly known as centric occlusion - the bite in which all the teeth are closed together in their natural and physiologic position