What is occlusion?
the contacts between teeth
the relationship of the dental arches when tooth contact is made
What does occlusion also include?
restoring
moving
removing
For what specialists is occlusion important?
- Orthodontist
- Restorative dentist
- Prosthodontist
- Periodontist
- Dental hygiene/therapists
- Dental technicians
- Paediatric dentist
- Forensic dentist
What are some false claims about occlusion?
TMJ disorders
Poor posture
Excessive ear wax
Speech defects
Prolapse of lumbar disc
Lack of beauty
What are the 4 main determinants of occlusion?
- TMJ
- Muscles of mastication
- Teeth
- Neuro-muscular control
What 2 types of movement does TMJ allow?
- Hinge
- Sliding movement
Describe the muscles of mastication
under control of the neuromuscular system
exert powerful forces and can produce fine, controlled movement
What do incisors have an effect on?
- Biting
- Aesthetics
- Guidance of mandibular movement
Through what is the feedback to the CNS delegated?
periodontal ligament
muscles
tendons
TMJ
What can over-ride neuromuscular control?
emotional or environmental stress
system is very sensitive
Describe the ideal occlusion
aligned teeth -> masticatory loads within physiological range
lateral jaw movements without undue mechanical interference
rest position , correct gap between teeth
aesthetically pleasing tooth alignment
What is physiological occlusion?
occlusion within the patient’s adaptability
no breakdown of the periodontium
no tooth wear
teeth stay in position
What are the adaptive mechanisms?
- New jaw positions
- Condylar modelling
- Teeth can change their position
What is pathological occlusion?
a pattern of occlusal contact resulting elements of the masticatory system being overstretched
may cause parafunction
What are the symptoms of pathological occlusion?
Pain/temporomandibular disorders
Fracture
Tooth wear – localised or generalised
Drifting, mobility
What 2 parts of occlusion can vary in individuals?
size of dental arch
angulation of teeth within alveolus
How is the maximum intercuspal position achieved?
when maxillary and mandibular teeth are maximally meshed together
locking in the position of the mandible
How can the intercuspal position be marked?
with articulating paper
Where does malocclusion result from?
- Malposition of individual teeth
- Malrelationship of the dental arches
- Variation in skeletal morphology of the jaws
What are the 2 classifications of malocclusion?
angles molar classification
- position of first molar teeth
incisor classification
What is class I angles molar classification?
mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar occludes with the mesiobuccal groove of the lower first molar
What is class II of angles molar classification?
mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar occludes mesial to the class I position
What is class III of angles molar classification?
mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar occludes distal to the class I position
What does incisor classification mention?
position of contact of lower incisor with palatal surface of upper incisor
