Occlusion (dentistry)

Occlusion (dentistry)

Occlusion (dentistry) refers to the alignment of teeth and the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite). The upper teeth should fit slightly over the lower teeth. The points of the molars should fit the grooves of the opposite molar.

Types of Occlusion

There are three types of occlusion that are considered normal:

• Ideal Occlusion: Also known as the perfect bite, this is when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.

• Malocclusion: This is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close.

• Neutral Occlusion: This is when the first molar of the upper jaw aligns with the first molar of the lower jaw.

Causes of Malocclusion

Malocclusion can be caused by several factors, including:

• Genetics: Some people may inherit a larger lower jaw, which can cause an overbite.

• Habits: Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can cause the teeth to become misaligned.

• Injury: An injury to the jaw can cause the teeth to become misaligned.

Treatment of Malocclusion

Treatment for malocclusion usually involves orthodontic treatment. The most common treatments include:

• Braces: Braces are the most common treatment for malocclusion. They apply pressure to the teeth to slowly move them into the correct position.

• Retainers: Retainers are used after braces to hold the teeth in their new position.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct malocclusion.

See Also

• Orthodontics
• Dental braces
• Dental surgery

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