Occlusion

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

the relationship between the maxillary + mandibular teeth when the upper + lower jaws are fully closed. I.E contact between upper + lower teeth in any position

Question 2

Concentric occlusion

Answer 2

when the jaws are closed this produces maximum stable contact between occluding surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular teeth, the condyles are laid far back in the joint and are in an unstrained position in the glenoid fossa

Question 3

Normal occlusion (ideal)

Answer 3

the palatal cusps of the posterior maxillary teeth fit into the central fissures of the occlusal surfaces of the posterior mandibular teeth allowing: effective grinding of food, distribution of occlusal forces and gives greater comfort when chewing

Question 4

Minor deviations to be considered

Answer 4

teeth are of correct size + shape, no rotations, crowing or spaces, each tooth is correctly inclined + angled with respect to its neighbours, upper teeth occlude buccally or labially or lower teeth, centre lines of upper + lower concise with each other + midline of the face, dental arches are symmetrical