Dental occlusion is the term used to describe the way that teeth come together when we bite down. The word "occlusion" is pronounced /əˈkluʒən/ (uh-KLOO-zhun), with the stress on the second syllable. It is spelled with two Cs and two Os, which is why it can be confusing to spell. The initial "o" is pronounced like the "a" in "father," and the second "o" is pronounced like the "u" in "put." When saying "dental occlusion," the stress is on the first syllable of "dental" and the second syllable of "occlusion."
Dental occlusion refers to the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when they come into contact with each other during biting or chewing. It involves the alignment and contact of the teeth, as well as the way the jaws close and fit together. This term is crucial in dentistry as it helps diagnose and treat various dental conditions.
The dental occlusion is commonly considered to be normal when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth. The contact between teeth occurs simultaneously across the mouth and is distributed evenly, allowing for proper functioning during biting and chewing. However, deviations from this normal occlusion can occur due to various factors, including genetics, tooth loss, teeth misalignment, trauma, or muscle and jaw disorders.
Malocclusion pertains to any abnormal deviation from the normal dental occlusion. This can include conditions such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly. Malocclusions can lead to difficulties in proper chewing, speaking, and can even affect facial appearance. Dental occlusion is evaluated and assessed by dentists through clinical examination, dental X-rays, and sometimes additional diagnostic tools like dental models or computerized imaging.
Dental occlusion plays a significant role in orthodontic treatments, prosthodontics, and other dental procedures. Correcting malocclusion and restoring proper dental occlusion can help improve a patient's oral health, functionality, aesthetics, and overall well-being.
The word "dental occlusion" has its origins in Latin and English.
The term "dental" comes from the Latin word "dens", meaning tooth. It is used as an adjective to indicate anything related to teeth.
The word "occlusion" comes from the Latin verb "occludere", which means "to shut" or "to close". In dentistry, "occlusion" refers to the contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "dental occlusion" refers to the alignment and contact of the teeth when the mouth is closed.