Dental occlusion

Dental occlusion refers to the coordinated movement of the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) dental arches as they come together. As the teeth on both arches come into contact and exert pressure against each other, or occlude, they determine the overall health of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is responsible for connecting the lower jaw to the skull. It is essential for dental professionals to ensure proper occlusion in order to maintain optimal oral health. Improper occlusion can cause teeth to wear down unevenly, create gaps between teeth, or put undue pressure on the TMJ. Habits such as clenching or grinding teeth, bruxism, can also damage teeth and the TMJ. The oral health assessment of occlusion must include a visual inspection, assessing alignment, and examining the contacts between the teeth when the teeth are in occlusion. Radiographs may also be used to evaluate the TMJ to detect any issue and quantify the amount of space available between the contacts of the teeth. Restorations, such as crowns or veneers, can also be used to correct occlusion. Partial dentures, prosthetics used to replace one or more missing teeth, can also be used to correct occlusion. When evaluating occlusion, dental professionals look for factors such as--angles and depths of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, contact of maxillary and mandibular teeth including interproximal contact, ideal overbite and overjet, proper alveolar bone, and ideal lateral movements of the mandible. Overall, dental occlusion is an important factor to consider when assessing oral health. Although there is no one universal measurement for proper occlusion, dental professionals use their experience and knowledge to ensure proper occlusion and evaluate the health of the TMJ. They can also enhance a patient’s smile or facial appearance.