Introduction to occlusion

Question 1

what is occlusion?

Answer 1

how the teeth come together and function (articulation)

Question 2

why is occlusion important

Answer 2

whenever we provide any restorations we need to make sure the patients ‘ bite’ feels comfortable
If the teeth do not meet in harmony then this can lead to
- pain
- loosening of teeth
- Fracture of restorations, or fractured teeth

Question 2

how do things go wrong In occlusion?

Answer 2

premature contacts- (interferences)
Lateral forces on posterior teeth
Excessive forces due to parafunction
fremitus- feeling vibrating tooth
widening of PDL - increased mobility and drifting

Question 3

How do we avoid occlusal problems with restorations

Answer 3

• restorations placed in teeth should conform to the patinas existing occlusion
• The patients ‘ bite’ should feel the same after we place a restoration as it did before we started

Question 4

what is clenching/ bruxism

Answer 4

• subconscious, non functional grinding
• often at night when asleep
• During stressful situatoins e.g driving, exams!
• increased wear
• fracture of restorations
• muscle pain
• microcracks

Question 5

where is the intercuspal position (ICP) found

Answer 5

position of maximal interdigitaion of the teeth

Question 6

how are patients examined

Answer 6

canine guidance
group function

Question 6

what is articulator

Answer 6

mechanical device that recreates the patient’s jaw upon which study models can be positioned and the relationship between upper and lower teeth studied

Question 7

what is done in extra oral examination to check occlusion

Answer 7

Muscle palpation- see if tender when applying pressure to where the muscles originate and insert
- temporalis
- masseter

Palpate TMJs on opening and closing
- clicks or grinding can indicate problems within the TMJ