Occlusion: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Occlusion is defined as the contact between two or more teeth in the same jaw or between the teeth of opposite jaws. Occlusion is an important part of oral health because it helps to maintain proper oral function, including the ability to bite, chew, and speak, as well as the prevention of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle disorders. This article will discuss the definition, history, and characteristics of occlusion, as well as provide references for further reading.
Definition
Occlusion is defined as the contact between two or more teeth in the same jaw or between the teeth of opposite jaws. It is also known as tooth contact, tooth interaction, or interdigitation. Occlusion is important because it helps to maintain proper oral function, including the ability to bite, chew, and speak, as well as the prevention of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle disorders.
History
The study of occlusion dates back to ancient times, when the Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates (460-377 BCE) wrote of the importance of studying the relationship of teeth in the mouth. In the 17th century, French dentist Pierre Fauchard (1678-1761) was the first to describe the relationship between teeth and the bite. In the 19th century, German dentist Carl Ferdinand von Graefe (1787-1840) introduced a system of tooth analysis, which focused on the analysis of the contact between upper and lower teeth.
In the early 20th century, the American dentist Edward Angle (1855-1930) developed the first classification system for malocclusion, which is still used today. Angle divided occlusion into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III. This system is still widely used and is known as the Angle Classification of Malocclusion.
Characteristics
Occlusion is characterized by the contact between two or more teeth in the same jaw or between the teeth of opposite jaws. This contact creates a seal that helps to maintain proper oral function, including the ability to bite, chew, and speak, as well as the prevention of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle disorders.
In addition, occlusion is characterized by the way in which the upper and lower teeth fit together. This is known as the “occlusal relationship” and is divided into three categories: centric occlusion, centric relation, and maximum intercuspation. Centric occlusion is the natural resting position of the teeth when the jaw is closed. Centric relation is the position of the teeth when the jaw is opened and closed without any contact between the teeth. Maximum intercuspation is the position of the teeth when the jaw is closed and the teeth are in full contact.
Conclusion
Occlusion is an important part of oral health. It helps to maintain proper oral function, including the ability to bite, chew, and speak, as well as the prevention of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle disorders. This article has discussed the definition, history, and characteristics of occlusion.
References
Ahmed, C., & White, D. (2016). Orthodontic occlusion: Principles and concepts. In Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques (6th ed., pp. 664-675). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Chong, B., & Turley, P. (2005). Occlusion and orthodontics. British Dental Journal, 199(10), 637-643. doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813251
Grobler, S. R., & Grobler, S. D. (2006). Occlusion and orthodontics. In Orthodontic Treatment of the Dentition (pp. 9-26). Pretoria: Van Schaik Publishers.
Hill, S. (2003). Occlusion: A guide to principles and practice. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.