Dental occlusion is the way the teeth of the upper jaw meet those of the mandible.

Dental occlusion, by extending the concept, means the whole relationship between the upper and lower jaw when they approach or meet each other, as during chewing, speaking or mimicry.

Thus, we can categorize dental occlusion into static and dynamic, with static meaning the contact of the teeth at rest and dynamic meaning the contact of the teeth during chewing.

Normal dental occlusion is very important, neglecting its problems can lead to serious consequences over time.

Abnormal dental occlusion is called malocclusion.

Detrimental factors for malocclusion:

• genetic (shape and size of jaws and teeth, relationships between them, supernumerary teeth, malformations)

• premature or late eruption (loss of milk teeth too early or their persistence on the dental arch long after the age of eruption of permanent teeth)

• vicious habits (thumb sucking, teeth grinding)

• local trauma

• loss of teeth may unbalance the occlusion

• ill-fitting dentures or dental work

Consequences of malocclusion

• disharmonious aesthetic appearance

• masticatory inefficiency

• noise disturbance

• joint pain

• development of periodontal disease

• dental erosion

• tooth extraction

• bruxism

Treatment

Depending on the underlying causes and the type of occlusal disorder, the treatment is different:

• appropriate adjustment of prosthetic or dental work

• selective grinding

• occlusal elevation

• dental extractions

• orthodontic appliances

• surgical interventions

Conclusion

Don’t neglect your dental occlusion. Occlusal problems that seem small can have serious consequences over time. To determine them accurately, you should have a dental consultation.

If a dental problem is detected close to its onset, it is easier, less costly, less invasive and less traumatic to solve.

Visits to the dentist should be made on a regular basis, the onset of dental problems is insidious, close at hand, unnoticed.

If the dentist has made the diagnosis of normal dental occlusion, this does not mean that the occurrence of malocclusion in the future, due to some of the factors listed above, is definitely excluded.