Dental Occlusion

What is dental occlusion?

Dental occlusion is the position and alignment of the teeth on the upper jaw with those on the lower jaw when the mouth is at rest.

When the upper jaw teeth fit together correct with the teeth on the lower jaw, this is called good occlusion. Conversely, when the teeth are too far forward, spaced, overlapping, etc., it is then called malocclusion.

Regardless of the type of dental malocclusion detected, your dentist will rebalance your dental occlusion which is a fundamental element to the chewing muscles working correctly, and also from an aesthetic point of view.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint between the lower jaw and the temporal bone of the jaw. It plays an essential role in lower jaw mobility (movements from right to left, up and down, etc.).

Any poor dental occlusion configuration will have repercussions on the temporomandibular joint mechanism which participates in speech, chewing, swallowing, and also yawning.

Also consult our advice on dental malposition.