You bite into an apple and crunch it between your teeth. Ever wonder how your teeth come together so perfectly to chew your food? That coordinated contact between your upper and lower teeth is called occlusion. Understanding occlusion gives insight into how your mouth works. In this article, we’ll explore dental occlusion from basic anatomy to signs of problems. Get ready for a mini dental school lesson on how your teeth fit together and the importance of those contacts. You’ll learn occlusion lingo to describe issues to your dentist and may even pick up some tricks to improve your bite. Let’s dive into the world of occlusion and decode the anatomy behind your pearly whites.
What Is Occlusion?
Occlusion refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed. It’s one of the most important concepts in dentistry because it determines how well your teeth function and, ultimately, your oral health.
Dental occlusion is the optimal functional relationship between the teeth, jaws, temporomandibular joint, tongue, muscles, and all other components of this system. Its proper balance is required for chewing, swallowing, phonetics, breathing, and appearance.
When there are alterations in dental occlusion, such as a severely projecting jaw, missing teeth, dental inclinations, and so on, the occlusion is out of harmony, which we refer to as dental malocclusion.
When your teeth meet properly, it allows you to chew food efficiently and speak clearly. It also helps distribute the forces in your bite evenly so that no single tooth bears the brunt of the pressure. If your occlusion is off, it can lead to problems like tooth wear, headaches, jaw pain, and damage to dental work like fillings or crowns.
Types of Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth or jaws that can result in biting abnormalities. It is one of the most common types of occlusion in dentistry, with detrimental consequences for oral health and other parts of life. Common factors include heredity, dental illnesses, developmental difficulties, and oral trauma. Braces and other orthodontic procedures are frequently used to correct malocclusion.
There are various types of dental malocclusions, which can arise simultaneously or as a one-time condition.
There are three basic types of malocclusion:
Class I Malocclusion
Class I malocclusions are one of the most prevalent conditions in everyday clinical practice and one of the most elective disorders to treat with aligners, as the primary patient concern is frequently crowded anterior teeth, particularly in the mandibular arch. It is considered normal occlusion; most people have a Class I occlusion.
Below are the most common forms of malocclusions in the general population:
Open bite
An open bite can form between the front and posterior teeth. It is distinguished by the absence of contact between the upper and lower teeth, resulting in a gap between them. This type of malocclusion may have implications for chewing, swallowing, and phonetics, as poor dental alignment influences how other structures, such as the tongue, arrange themselves.
Crossbite
Just as a lid has a certain way of setting itself on the pan, the dental arches must relate in a specific manner. The upper and lower teeth should be related in such a way that the upper arch occludes, causing the vestibular surfaces of the teeth to be external to those of the lower arch.
When done in reverse, the bite is crossed. And this can happen in both the anterior and posterior regions.
Deep overbite
When we touch our teeth, the upper teeth typically cover a portion of the lower teeth. However, when it occurs excessively, it causes a condition known as deep or severe overbite. This malocclusion has the opposite attribute of the prior open bite.
Crowding
Dental crowding is the term used to describe the well-known “crooked teeth,” which are typically caused by a lack of space for the permanent tooth to be properly positioned. When this occurs, teeth are allocated to positions where they fit, resulting in grin misalignment. Furthermore, dental crowding can impede appropriate oral care while increasing the risk of gingival irritation and caries development.
All of the malocclusions listed above can arise even when the arches’ bone relationships are adequate.
Class II Malocclusion
Class II malocclusion, on the other hand, deals with bone disharmony, which occurs when the mandible is retruded in relation to the skull base or protrudes. In more complicated situations, both the mandible and the maxilla may be affected. These situations can be detected throughout childhood, and therapy must be initiated at the appropriate time, typically just before the growth spurt, to avoid further disparities and, in some cases, the necessity for orthognathic surgery in the future.
Class III Malocclusion
In Class III malocclusion, the mandible protrudes in relation to its bone base, or the maxilla retruded. There may also be a somatization of differences between the two structures. This type of alteration can be hereditary and necessitates extensive therapy, which should begin as soon as possible and be maintained until the end of the growth phase to avoid future complications and the need for surgery. However, even with early treatment, some may require orthognathic surgery in adulthood.
To determine your occlusion, your dentist will evaluate how your upper and lower teeth come together in alignment and function. Maintaining good occlusion over your lifetime is important to your long-term dental health and a bright, confident smile.
Causes of Malocclusion
Malocclusions are caused by a variety of reasons. Check out the major causes below:
Tooth loss
When you lose teeth, the remaining teeth will shift to fill in the space. This can change your bite and lead to occlusal issues. The loss of molars, in particular, has a big effect on your bite since they provide most of the chewing force. To prevent this, replace missing teeth to maintain your bite.
Tooth wear
As teeth wear down over time from chewing, grinding, or acid erosion, the biting surface changes shape. This can alter your occlusion and may require treatment like crowns or fillings to restore proper tooth contours and bite.
Jaw misalignment
If your upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned, your teeth will not meet correctly. This can lead to occlusal problems, jaw pain, and accelerated tooth wear. Corrective treatments may include braces, surgery, or other orthodontic procedures to realign the jaws.
Grinding or clenching
Grinding or clenching your teeth, known as bruxism, wears away enamel and can significantly impact your bite over time. A night guard or splint may be recommended to prevent damage from nocturnal teeth grinding. Reducing stress and anxiety levels can also help decrease teeth clenching and grinding during the day.
Habits
Habits like chewing on pens or fingernails, opening packages with your teeth, etc., can contribute to occlusal changes and excessive wear. Also habits like using infant bottles, pacifiers, and suction These habits have a wide-ranging impact on craniofacial development, mostly resulting in maxillary atresia and anterior open bite. The sooner these behaviors are identified, the less damage they cause and the chance of spontaneous adjustment of minor issues.
Lack of space in the dental arch
Even without early loss, there may be insufficient space for the correct eruption of permanent teeth, which are larger than milk teeth.
Tongue Interposition
The tongue interposition between the anterior teeth when swallowing is a condition that can cause alterations in dental alignment, with the most serious outcome being an anterior open bite.
Hypertrophy of the tonsils and adenoids
These issues impede respiration, forcing the patient to breathe through the mouth. Mouthbreathers are more likely to develop dental, skeletal, and muscle abnormalities. Maxillary atresia and crossbite are the two most common malocclusions among mouth breathers.
Paying attention to these possible causes of occlusal problems and addressing them with your dentist is key to maintaining a healthy bite and smile. Discussing treatment options for any issues early on will help prevent extensive damage and more complex procedures down the road.
Symptoms of Occlusal Issues
Occlusion refers to the contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. An improper bite or misaligned teeth can lead to issues with occlusion. Some common symptoms of occlusion problems include:
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down. If your teeth don’t meet properly when you bite down, it can cause pain in your jaws, face, or teeth. You may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods as well.
- Headaches or migraines. Misaligned teeth or an uneven bite can put a strain on your jaw joints and muscles, leading to frequent headaches, especially in the temple area and behind the eyes.
- Tooth wear or damage. If your teeth grind or clench unevenly, it can lead to accelerated wear, chipping, or fractures of the tooth enamel and dentin. You may notice your teeth looking shorter or having sharp edges.
- Jaw pain or stiffness. Problems with occlusion often lead to pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and jaw muscles. Your jaw may feel tired or stiff, especially in the morning.
- Difficulty chewing. If your teeth don’t meet properly, it can be hard to chew foods efficiently. You may have trouble biting through crunchy or chewy foods.
- Tooth mobility. When teeth experience excess pressure from an uneven bite over time, the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth weaken. This can lead to increased looseness or mobility of the teeth.
- Muscle spasms. Issues with occlusion frequently cause the jaw muscles to spasm or clench involuntarily. You may frequently clench your teeth together or grind them at night during sleep.
- Ear pain or ringing. Misaligned teeth or TMJ disorders can sometimes lead to ear pain, fullness, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). The ear and jaw share some of the same nerves, so problems in one area may manifest in the other.
- Speech difficulties. In some cases, occlusion issues can affect your ability to pronounce certain words or sounds correctly. Speech therapy and corrective dental treatment may be helpful for improving speech clarity and function.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. They can evaluate your bite and occlusion to determine the underlying cause of your problems and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include orthodontics, occlusal adjustments, physical therapy, or other options to correct your bite and relieve discomfort.
Diagnosing Occlusion
To properly diagnose occlusion, your dentist will carefully examine your teeth, jaws, and bite. They will check how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed and when you move your jaw side to side or front to back. Your dentist will also examine the health of your teeth and gums to ensure there are no other issues to address.
Several tools are used to evaluate your occlusion. These include articulating paper, mounted study casts, and a device called an articulator. The articulating paper shows the points of contact between your teeth. Your dentist will have you bite down on the paper to leave indentations, which indicate where your teeth touch prematurely. Mounted study casts, essentially molds of your teeth, provide a 3D model for analysis. An articulator simulates jaw movement to help determine the cause of any imbalance or interference.
There are a few common signs that may indicate an occlusal problem. These include teeth that meet in an uneven or premature manner, teeth that shift or loosen over time, broken or chipped teeth, abnormally worn teeth, pain or soreness in the jaw joints or muscles, headaches or migraines. Diagnosing the underlying cause of these issues is key to developing an effective treatment plan. Once the cause has been determined, your dentist will recommend an appropriate solution.
The ultimate goal of diagnosing occlusion is to achieve a healthy, comfortable and functional bite where your teeth meet properly in harmony with the joints and muscles of your jaw. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can eliminate pain, prevent further damage to your teeth and gums, and enjoy an improved smile and ability to chew your food.
Treating Malocclusion
To start, the dentist will examine your teeth to see if any are broken, chipped, or worn down. They will check if your upper and lower teeth meet evenly when you bite down or if some teeth hit before others. They will also evaluate how your jaw joints and muscles are working by observing your jaw movement and having you open and close. If needed, they may take X-rays to get a better view of your bite and jaw joints.
If the examination reveals an uneven bite, TMJ disorder, or other issues, the dentist may recommend treatment such as:
- Orthodontics like braces to properly align your teeth. This can help correct an uneven bite and reduce strain on your jaw joints.
- Dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or fillings to rebuild broken, chipped, or worn down teeth. This helps establish proper contact between the upper and lower teeth.
- Oral appliances like night guards, splints, or mouthpieces. These devices can help relax jaw muscles, relieve joint pressure, or protect teeth from grinding.
- In severe cases, jaw surgery may be recommended to correct bite and jaw alignment issues. This should only be considered as a last resort.
Following any recommended treatment, your dentist will re-evaluate your bite and jaw function to ensure proper occlusion and comfort. They will check that all teeth meet evenly, your jaw moves freely without pain, and muscles feel relaxed. Maintaining good occlusion and oral health is important for your long-term dental and physical well-being.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of occlusion issues can help prevent tooth wear, TMJ disorders, muscle strain, and other problems. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about your bite or jaw pain with your dentist.
Preventing Occlusal Problems
Occlusions, or misalignments of the teeth and jaws, can often be prevented with early intervention and treatment. Here are some of the key ways to avoid occlusal problems:
One of the best ways to prevent occlusal issues is through regular dental checkups, especially for children. Dentists can monitor teeth and jaw development and spot potential problems early. They may recommend treatments like braces, retainers, or other orthodontics to guide teeth into the proper position and ensure the upper and lower jaws line up correctly.
Parents should also watch for signs of occlusal problems in their kids and talk to their dentist right away if they notice teeth grinding or clenching, difficulty chewing or biting, or teeth that look crowded or crooked. Early treatment of occlusal issues, especially in children, can help avoid more intensive treatments later on.
Teaching kids good oral care habits is key. Help them brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and limit sugary and sticky foods that can contribute to tooth decay and crowding.
For adults, wearing a nightguard can help prevent damage from teeth grinding and clenching while sleeping. Nightguards, or occlusal splints, help distribute the forces on your teeth and prevent wear. They can also reduce jaw pain, tension headaches, and TMJ disorders caused by occlusal problems.
Following these tips will help you establish and maintain a healthy, balanced bite and proper alignment of your teeth and jaws for life. Be proactive and pay attention to early signs of malocclusion. Problems and talk to your dentist right away about any concerns you may have with your bite or teeth positioning. Preventing occlusal issues is much easier than correcting them after the fact.
Conclusion
These are the basics of occlusion and how it impacts your dental health. Occlusion is a complex concept that describes how teeth align when force or pressure is applied. Visit your dentist on a regular basis to ensure you have healthy teeth and gums. This allows them to discover any possible problems before they become significant health issues. You should maintain optimal occlusal harmony throughout your life by visiting your dentist on a regular basis and receiving adequate occlusal adjustment.