Toothwear and Occlusion Flashcards
what is occlusion?
the study of the relationships between the upper and lower teeth when they are closed together
what is the functional purpose of bringing the teeth together?
for chewing and swallowing
what are the parts of the masticatory system?
teeth, periodontal tissues, jaws, temporo-mandibular joints, muscles of mastication, nervous control
what must occur for occlusion to occur?
the muscles of mastication have to move the jaws into position to allow the teeth to contact
where are forces transmitted during chewing?
down the long axes of the teeth into the robust base of the skull
what does the pulp do during chewing?
sends signals to the brain which sends signals to the muscles of mastication to regulate the movement of the jaws (sensitive feedback)
what does sensitive feedback do?
regulate the amount of force applied to the teeth which is important in tooth preservation
what does the resting position rely on?
neuromuscular memory
what is intercuspal position?
the position in which the teeth are maximally meshed together and the position the mandible aims for at the end of chewing
what is the occlusion pattern on posterior teeth?
the lower buccal cusps and upper palatal cusps occlude against the fossae and marginal ridges of the opposing teeth
what is the occlusion pattern on anterior teeth?
the lower incisal egses and canine tips occlude against the cingulum area of the opposing teeth
what happens if forces are not directed down the long axes of the teeth?
there can be teeth tilting and pain
what is balanced occlusion?
even, bilateral contacts in ICP
what does balanced occlusion provide?
stability
what does the mandibular condyle do during protrusion?
moves downwards and forwards in the mandibular fossa
