The spelling of the term "Occlusal Forces" uses the IPA phonetic transcription /əˈkluːʒəl ˈfɔːrsɪz/. The first syllable, "occlusal," is pronounced with a schwa sound "uh" followed by a "k" sound, then "loo" and "sul." The second word, "forces," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, followed by a "r" and "s" sound. Together, the term refers to the forces that occur when the teeth of the upper and lower jaws come into contact during biting and chewing.
Occlusal forces refer to the pressures exerted on the teeth during biting, chewing, and grinding food. These forces are crucial for the proper functioning of the oral cavity and are necessary for breaking down food into smaller particles for digestion. Occlusal forces can be measured both in magnitude and direction and are categorized into vertical, horizontal, and lateral forces.
Vertical occlusal forces are the forces exerted when the teeth come together during biting or clenching. These forces are responsible for breaking down food and distributing the pressure evenly across the teeth. Horizontal occlusal forces, on the other hand, are exerted during side-to-side movements of the jaw, such as chewing. Lateral forces are mainly present when teeth move in a lateral direction, usually during grinding or clenching of the jaw, which can occur both during sleep and while awake.
The balance and coordination of occlusal forces are essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the teeth, jaw joints, and supporting structures, such as the gums and bone. Excessive or uneven occlusal forces can lead to dental problems such as tooth wear, fractures, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint disorders. Dentists and orthodontists often evaluate occlusal forces to diagnose and treat bite abnormalities, malocclusions, and to design appropriate dental interventions or orthodontic appliances.
Overall, occlusal forces play a vital role in the masticatory system, influencing the health and functionality of the teeth, jaw, and associated structures.
The word "occlusal" comes from the Latin word "occlusus", which means "closed" or "shut". In dentistry, "occlusal" refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together when the jaw is closed.
The term "forces" in this context refers to the pressure and stress put on the teeth and their supporting structures during various oral activities, such as chewing and biting.
Therefore, "occlusal forces" is a term coined in dentistry to describe the pressure exerted on the teeth when the jaws are closed and during various oral functions.