5th Year Lec. No.

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DENTAL OCCLUSION
Dental occlusion defined , "as the static, closed contacting position of
the upper teeth to lower teeth".

DISOCCLUSION OF TEETH
Disocclusion defined , "as a separation of the teeth from occlusion;
the opposite of occlusion".
STAMP CUSPS
The cusps that stamp into a fossa of an opposing tooth are known as
stamp cusps. The lingual cusps of the upper teeth and the buccal
cusps of the lower teeth are the posterior stamp cusps.

NORMAL OCCLUSION
What is referred to as normal occlusion orthodontically, is an Angle's
Class I occlusion. The key teeth for this classification are the
permanent first molars. The mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first
molar should occlude in mesiobuccal groove of the mandibular first
permanent molar (Fig. 1).However, even with this relationship, when
the teeth are in full closure there may be a significant discrepancy
between the relationships of mandibular or temporomandibular
joints (TMJ) and the maxilla. Normal occlusion usually involves
occlusal contact and alignment of teeth, over jet, overbite,
arrangement and relationship of teeth between the arches and
relationship of teeth to osseous structures. "Normal" simply implies a
situation commonly found in the absence of disease. It should include
not only a range of anatomically acceptable values but also
physiological adaptability.

(Fig. 1) normal occlusion

IDEAL OCCLUSION
This concept refers both to an aesthetic and a physiologic ideal (Fig.
2). In recent times, emphasis has moved from aesthetic and anatomic
standards to the current concern with function, health and comfort.
Hence now the important aspect of ideal occlusion includes
functional harmony and stability of masticatory system and the
neuromuscular harmony in the masticatory system .
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(Fig.2) ideal occlusion, aesthetic , and satisfying the idealized and

functional characteristics

BALANCED OCCLUSION
Balanced occlusion is said to exist when there exist a simultaneous
contact of maxillary and mandibular teeth, on the right and left, in
the anterior and posterior occlusal areas when the jaws are either in
centric or eccentric occlusion.

PHYSIOLOGIC OCCLUSION
The occlusion that exists in an individual, who has no signs of
occlusion related pathosis, is a physiologic occlusion. Physiologic
occlusion may not be an ideal occlusion but it is devoid of any
pathological manifestation in the surrounding tissue due to these
deviations from the ideal. Here there is a controlled adaptive
response characterized by minimal muscle hyperactivity, and limited
stress to the system.

TRAUMATIC OCCLUSION
It is an occlusion which is judged to be a causative factor in the
formation of traumatic lesions or disturbances in the supporting
structures of the teeth, muscles and TMJ (Fig. 3). Almost every
dentition has supra contacts that have traumatic potential to alter the
status of muscle tones and induce stress. However, the criterion
which determines if an occlusion is traumatic or not is not how teeth
occlude but whether it produces any injury.

(Fig.3) Examples of traumatic occusion

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THERAPEUTIC OCCLUSION
It is a treated occlusion employed to counteract structural
interrelationship related to traumatic occlusion.

CONCEPTS OF OCCLUSION
Numerous concepts of occlusion have been suggested. Some of the
important ones are listed below.
Occlusion in Orthodontics

1. Angle 1887
2. Hellman 1921
3. Lucia 1962
4. Stallard and Stuart 1963
5. Ramford and Ash 1983
These concepts stress to a varying degree, state and/ or functional
characteristic of occlusion. None are completely applicable to natural
dentition. Since a few concepts provide specific occlusal relations to
joint positions, some provide ways in which muscles and the
neuromusculature functions.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF OCCLUSION
Many different classifications have been suggested, but the important
ones are:
1. Based on mandibular position.
2. Based on relationship of 1st permanent molar.
3. Based on organization of occlusion.
4. Based on pattern of occlusion.
BASED ON MANDIBULAR POSITION
• Centric Occlusion
It is the occlusion of the teeth when the mandible is in centric
relation.
Centric relation has been defined as the maxillomandibular
relationship in which condyles articulate with the thinnest avascular
position of their respective discs with the complex in the
anterosuperior position against the shape of the articular eminence.
This position is independent of tooth contact and is clinically
discernable when the mandible is directed anteriorly and superiorly.
It is restricted to a purely rotary movement about the transverse
horizontal axis.

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• Eccentric Occlusion
It is defined as the occlusion, other than centric occlusion. It includes:
1. Lateral occlusion it can be right or left lateral occl usion. It is
defined as the contact between opposing teeth when the mandible is
moved either right or left of the midsagittal plane.
2. Protruded occlusion Defined as the occlusion of the teeth when the
mandible is protruded, i.e. the position of mandible is anterior to
centric relation.
3. Retrusive occlusion Occlusion of the teeth when the mandible is
retruded, i.e. position of mandible is posterior to centric relation.

BASED ON RELATIONSHIP OF 1ST PERMANENT MOLAR

Depending on the anteroposterior jaw relationship, Edward H Angle

classified occlusion into 3 types.

a. Class I (also known as neutro-occlusion) (Fig. 4): Dental

relationship in which there is normal antero posterior relationship,
as indicated by the correct inter digitation of maxillary and
mandibular molars (crowding rotation or other individual tooth mal
relations may be present elsewhere in the arch).
b. Class II (also known as disto-occlusion) (Fig5): Dental relationship,
in which the mandibular dental arch is posterior to the maxillary
dental arch in one or both lateral segments as determined by the
relationship of the permanent first molars. Mandibular 1st molar is
distal to the maxillary 1st molar.
Further subdivided into 2 divisions:
Division 1Bilateral distal retrusion with a narrow maxillary arch and
protruding maxillary incisors, increased overjet.
Division 1I Bilateral distal retrusion with a normal or square-shaped
maxillary arch, retruded maxillary central incisors, labially
malposed maxillary lateral incisors, an excessive overbite (deepbite).
Subdivision Unilateral, right or left, distal retrusive position of the
mandible

Fig.4 molar relation angel class 1 (Fig.5) angel class 11 (Fig.6) angel class111
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c. Class III(or mesio-occlusion-Fig. 6.): Dental relationship, in which

mandibular arch is anterior to maxillary arch in one or both the
lateral segments. The mandibular first molar is mesial to the
maxillary first molars and mandibular incisors are in anterior cross
bite.
Subdivision Right or left, i.e the molar relation exists unilaterally,
with other characters remaining same.

d. Class IV: Dental relationship in which occlusal relations of the

dental arches present the peculiar condition of being in distal
occlusion in one lateral half and in mesial occlusion in the other half.
This term is obsolete now.

BASED ON THE ORGANIZATION OF OCCLUSION

a. Canine guided or protected occlusion During lateral movements,
only working side canine comes into contact with the other. This
results in disocclusion of all posterior teeth, i.e. on both the working
and balancing side. This is because the mandible moves away from
the centric occlusion. Here the tip or the buccal incline of the lower
canine is seen to slide along with palatal surface of the upper canine.
b. Mutually protected occlusion Occlusal scheme in which the
posterior teeth prevent excessive contact which the posterior teeth
prevent excessive contact of the anterior teeth in maximum
intercuspation. Also, the anterior teeth disengage the posterior teeth
in all mandibular excursive movements.
c. Croup function occlusion It is defined as the multiple contact
relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth, in lateral
movements of the working side; where by simultaneous contacts of
several teeth is achieved and they act as a group to distribute occlusal
forces.

BASED ON PATTERN OF OCCLUSION

There are two types:
a. Cusp to embrasure/marginal ridge occlusion development of
occlusion can result in fitting of one stamp cusp into a fossa and the
fitting of another cusp of the same tooth into the embrasure area of
two opposing teeth. This is a tooth-to- two teeth relation occlusion.

b. Cusp to fossa occlusion development and growth of the

masticatory apparatus results in most or all of the stamp cusps fitting
into fossa. This cusp-fossa relationship normally produces an

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interdigitations of the cusps and fossa of one tooth with the fossa only
on opposing tooth.
This is a tooth-to-one-tooth relation. The cusp-fossa, tooth-to-tooth
arrangement has some distinct advantages over the cusp-embrasure
arrangement.

Advantages of cusp-fossa arrangement over cusp-embrasure

arrangement:
i. Forces arc directed more towards the long axis of the teeth
ii. The arrangement leads to greater stability of the arch, decreasing
the tendency towards tooth movement.
iii. The chance of food impacting in the embrasures is less.

IMPORTANCE OF CENTRIC RELATION IN ORTHODONTICS

Diagnosis and treatment planning should be performed by an
evaluation of the occlusion with mandible in centric relation, that is,
the natural musculoskeletal position of the condyles in the fossa, in
order to obtain the true maxillary-mandibular skeletal and denta I
relationship in the three plane of space. H this is overlooked, an
incorrect diagnosis and treatment plan of the actual malocclusion,
along with its unfavorable consequences may result.
Example: A case of false Class III, may incorrectly be considered a
true Class iii, with a consequently poorer prognosis, or the cusp
crossbite, in centric relation. Therefore, bilateral manipulation of the
mandible into centric relation is imperative at the first visit. Usually,
the models are trimmed and the lateral cephalograms are obtained in
centric occlusion because of the difficulties in taking them in centric
relation. Hence, during treatment planning we have to consider any
discrepancy presented. Moreover, during every appointment the
patient has to be monitored in centric relation so that the mechano
therapy is guided to accomplish the final ideal state of functional
occlusion. If monitoring is not done in this manner the treatment
may finish with the mandible in centric occlusion, with several
prematurities. This may later cause trauma from occlusion and TMJ
disorder.

COMPENSATORY CURVATURES
The occlusal surfaces of dental arches do not generally conform to a
flat plane.
a. According to Wilson the mandibular arch appears concave and
that of maxillary arch convex.

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b. According to Bonwill, the maxillary and mandibular arches adapt

themselves in part to an equilateral triangle of similar sides.
c. According to Von Spee, cusps and the incisal ridges of the teeth
display a curved alignment when the arches are observed from a
point opposite the 1st molar. The curve of Spee, as it is frequently
called, is seen from the sagittal plane .
d. Monson connected the curvature in the sagittal plane with
compensatory curvatures in the vertical plane and suggested that the
mandibular arch adapts itself to the curved segment of a sphere of
similar radius. Here, the maxillary canine guides the mandible so
that the posterior teeth come into occlusion with a minimum of
horizontal forces.

CURVE OF SPEE
lt refers to the anteroposterior curvature of the occlusal surfaces,
beginning at the tip of the lower cuspid and following cusp tip of the
bicuspids and molars continuing as an arc through to the condyle
(Fig.7). If the curve were extended, it would form a circle of about 4
inches diameter.

(Fig.7)The curve of spee)

CURVE OF WILSON
It is a curve that contacts the buccal and lingual cusp tips of the
mandibular posterior teeth. The curve of tips of the mandibular
posterior teeth. The curve of Wilson is mediolateral on each side of
arch. It results from the inward inclination of the lower posterior
teeth (Figs 8and Fig.9).

The curve helps in two ways

1. Teeth aLigned parallel to the direction of medial pterygoid for
optimum resistance to masticatory forces.
2. The elevated buccal cusps prevent food from going 'past the
occlusal table.

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(Fig.8) curve drawn on the third molar(of a skull) (Fig.9) curves

on the first and second molars of the mandible.

CURVE OF MONSON
It is obtained by extension of the curve of Spee and curve of Wilson
to all cusps and incisal edges.

ANDREWS SIX KEYS TO NORMAL OCCLUSION

The six keys were:
KEY I
Molar relationship (Fig.10) The molar relationship should be such
that the distal surface of the distal marginal ridge of the upper first
permanent molar contacts and occludes with the mesial surface of the
mesial marginal ridge of the lower second molar. Secondly, the
mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first permanent molar falls within the
groove between the mesial and middle cusps of the lower first
permanent molar. Also, the mesiolingual cusp of the upper first
molar seats in the central fossa of the lower first molar.

KEY 11
Crown angulation (Fig.11), the mesiodistal "tip". In normally
occluded teeth, the gingival portion of the long axis (the line bisecting
the clinical crown mesiodistally or the line passing through the most
prominent part of the labial or bucca I surface of a tooth) of each
crown is distal to the occlusal portion of that axis. The degree of tip
varies with each tooth type.

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KEY III
Crown inclination (Fig. 12), the labiolingual or buccolingual,
"torque". Crown inclination is the angle between a line 90 degrees to
the occlusal plane, and a line tangent to the middle of the labial or
buccal su rface of the clinical crown.
The crowns of the maxillary incisors are so placed that the incisal
portion of the labial surface is labial to the gingival portion of the
clinical crown. In all other crowns, the occlusal portion of the labial
or buccal surface is lingual to the gingival portion. In the maxillary
molars the lingual crown inclination is slightly more pronounced as
compared to the cuspids and bicuspids. In the mandibular posterior
teeth the lingual inclination progressively increases.

KEY IV
Absence of Rotations (Fig. 13). Teeth should be free of undesirable
rotations. If rotated, a molar or bicuspid occupies more space than
itwould normally. A rotated incisor can occupy less space than
normal.KEY V
Tight contacts (Fig. 14). In the absence of such abnormalities as
genuine tooth-size discrepancies, contact points should be tight.
KEY VI
Flat curve of Spee (Fig. 15). A flat occlusal plane is a must for
stability of occlusion. It is measured from the most prominent cusp of
the lower second molar to the lower central incisor, no curve deeper
than 1.5 mm is acceptable from a stand point of stability.

(Fig.10 key I) Fig.11 Key II Fig.12 keyIII

(Fig.13 Key IV) (Fig.14 Key V) (Fig.15 Key VI)

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Incisal over jet

The over jet is the horizontal distance between the upper and lower
incisors in occlusion , measured at the tip of the upper incisor .It is
dependent on the inclination of the incisor teeth and the antero -
posterior relationship of the dental arches. In most people there is a
positive over jet , i.e. the upper incisor is in front of the lower incisor
in occlusion , but the over jet may be reversed ,or edge-to edge.
The normal range (2 – 4 mm).

Incisal overbite
The overbite is the vertical distance between the tips of the upper and
lower incisors in occlusion . It is governed by degree of vertical
development of the anterior dento – alveolar segments. Ideally, the
lower incisors contact the middle third of the palatal surface of the
upper incisors in occlusion , but there may be excessive overbite , or
there may be incisal contact ,in which case the overbite is described
as incomplete when the lower incisors are above the level of the
upper incisal edges , or anterior open bite ,when the lower incisors
are below the level of the upper imcisal edges in occlusion.

Midline
The midline of the teeth must be coming closest to the midline of the
face(which mean ,the midline of the oral commissures, natural dental
midline , tip of philtrum, nasion , and tip of the nose ) if there is any
abnormality in these point that is mean there is shifting in the dental
midline. Three commonly used anatomic landmarks, nasion , tip of
the nose and tip of the philtrum used to determine the facial midline.
while the dental midline mean the line extended between the tow
central incisors.

Clinical Examination of the Dentition

The dentition is examined for:
1.The dental status, i.e. number of teeth present un erupted or
missing or there is un extra teeth (super neumerary teeth) and the
position of the teeth wither (normal ,Buckley position or lingualy or
rotated) .in addition to that we have to assess wither there is wearing
in the teeth(there is a layer removing from the tooth surface that is
mean there is a bad habit like bruxism)also the present of the cracks
have been assist by using a mirror with reflecting light. In addition to
that we have to assist the presence of white spot lesion(subsurface
enamel demineralization are known as white spot lesions, and they
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represent the early phase of caries formation . Demineralization may

take place rapidly, as fast as within 4 weeks after placement of
brackets and can stay present even years after treatment. The white
spot lesion is considered to be precursor of frank enamel caries and
in the orthodontic practice has been attributed to prolonged
accumulation and retention of bacterial plaque on the enamel surface
adjacent to the appliances . So the favored sites for such
accumulation are around the cervical margins of the teeth. As light
refraction through enamel is directly related to the level of
mineralization, WSLs manifest themselves as white opacities visually.

2.Dental and occlusal anomalies should be recorded in detail. Carious

teeth should be treated before beginning orthodontic treatment.
Dentition should be examined for other malformation, hypoplasia,
restorations, wear and discoloration.

3.Assessment of the apical bases:

• Sagittal plane Check whether molar relation is Class 1,ii or iii.
Vertical plane Over jet and overbite are recorded and variations like
deep bite, open bite should be recorded.
•Transverse plane Should be examined for lateral shift and cross-
bite.

4.Midline of the face and its coincidence with the dental midline
should be examined.

5. Individual tooth irregularities, e.g. rotations, displacement

fractured tooth.

6.Shape and symmetry of upper and lower arches.

DENTAL AGE
Dental age can be correlated to skeletal and chronological age but
there is some controversy as eruption timetable can be altered due to
general and local factors. Spier (1918) was the first to associate tooth
eruption to growth stature.

Methods to Determine Dental Age

Eruption time table: Chronological age can be correlated to the
eruption time table of primary and secondary teeth. Radiographic
appearances of developing jaws and teeth are taken into account.
Factors such as completion of crowns, cusps and roots are studied.
Radio logical development of root of lower canine is considered to be
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an accurate method to correlate dental age to skeletal age, e.g .second

permanent molar, which erupts at age 12 years, was once considered
the indication for British child to allow him to work in the factory
under the terms of British factory Act and hence was known as the
'Factory tooth'.

FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION
Orthodontic diagnosis should not be restricted to static evaluation of
teeth and their supporting structures but should also include
examination of the functional units of the stomatognathic system. A
functional analysis is important not only to determine the etiology of
the normal occlusion but also to plan the orthodontic treatment
required. A functional analysis includes:
1.Assessment of postural rest position and maximum intercuspation.
2.Examination of the temporomandibular joint.
3.Examination of orofacial dysfunctions.

ASSESSMENT OF POSTURAL REST POSITION

Determination of postural rest position: The postural rest position is
the position of the mandible at which the synergists and antagonists
of the orofacial system are in their basic tonus and balanced
dynamically. The space which exists between the upper and lower
jaws at the postural rest position is the interocciusal e/earance or
freeway space which is normally 3 mm in the canine regton. The rest
position should be determined with the patient relaxed and seated
upright with the back unsupported. The head is oriented by making
the patient look straight ahead. The head can also be positioned with
the Frankfurt horizontal parallel to the floor. Various methods to
record the postural rest position:
a. Phonetic method The patient is told to pronounce some consonants
like "M" or words like "Mississippi" repeatedly. The mandible
returns to the postural rest position 1-2 seconds after the exercise.
b. Command method The patient is asked to perform selected
functions like swallowing, at the end of which the mandible returns
spontaneously to the rest position. Phonetic exercise is also a type of
command method.
c. Non command method The clinician talks to the patient on
unrelated topics and observes the patient as he speaks and swallows
while he remains distracted. Patient is not aware that any
examination is being carried out. While talking, the patients
musculature is relaxed and the mandible reverts to the postural rest
position.

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d. Combined methods A combination of the above methods is most

suitable for functional analysis in children. The patient is observed
during swallowing and speaking. The "Tapping test" can also be
carried out to relax the musculature. Here, the clinician holds the
chin with his index finger and thumb and then opens and closes the
mandible passively with constantly increasing frequency until the
musculature isrelaxed. This can be confirmed by palpating the
submental muscles. The rest position can then be determined.
Regardless of the method, mandible position is checked extraorally
and the patient is told not to change the jaw, lip or tongue position.
The lips are then parted and the maxillomandibular relation as well
as the freeway space is determined.

Registration of the Rest Position

1.Intraoral methods.
a. Direct method Vernier calipers can be used directly to measure the
interocclusal clearance in the canine region.
b. Indirect method Impression material is used to register the
freeway space.
2.Extraoral methods
a. Direct method Reference points are made on the skin with plaster,
one on the nose and the other on the chin in the midsagittal plane. at
the rest position and centric occlusion. The distance between these
two points is measured, difference between the two is the freeway
space.
b. Indirect method Includes
- Cephalometric registration: 2 Cephalogram one at postural rest
position and other in centric occlusion are taken to determine the
freeway space.
-Kinesiographic registration: a magnet is fixed on the lower anterior
teeth and the mandibular movements are recorded by sensors which
is then processed in the Kinesiograph.

Evaluation of the Path of Closure

The path of closure is the movement of the mandible from rest
position to full articulation which should be analyzed.

Sagittal Plane
In Class ii malocclusions, 3 types of movements can be seen:
a. Pure rotational movement without a slidingin component-seen in
functional true Class II malocclusion.

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b. Forward path of closure-i.e. rotational movement with anterior

sliding movement. The mandible slides into a more forward position,
therefore, Class Ii malocclusion is more pronounced than can be seen
in habitual occlusion.

c. Backward path of closure, i.e. rotational movement with posterior

sliding movement. In Class II div 2 cases, the mandible slides
backward into a posterior occlusal position because of premature
contact with retroclined maxillary incisors.

Vertical Plane
It is important to differentiate between two types of overbites.
The true deep overbite is caused by infra occlusion of the molars and
can be diagnosed by the presence of a large freeway space. The
prognosis with functional therapy is favorable. Pseudo-deep bite is
caused due to over-eruption of the incisors and is characterized by a
small freeway space. Prognosis with functional therapy is
unfavorable.

Transverse Plane
During mandibular closure, the midline of the mandible is observed.
In case of unilateral crossbite. this analysis is relevant to differentiate
between laterognathy and laterocclusion. Laterognathy or true
crossbite-the centre of the mandible and the facial midline do not
coincide in rest and in occlusion. Laterocclusion-the centre of the
mandible and facial midline coincide in rest position but in occlusion
the mandible deviates due to tooth interference leading to non-
coinciding midlines.

EXAMINATION OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT

(TMJ)

The clinical examination of the TMJ should include auscultation and

palpation of the temporomandibular joint and the musculature
associated with mandibular movements as well as the functional
analysis of the mandibular movements. The main objective of this
examination is to look for symptoms of TMJ dysfunction such as
crepitus, clicking, pain, hypermobility, deviation, dislocation,
limitation of jaw movements and other morphological abnormalities.
Specific TMJ radiographs may be indicated as part of orthodontic
diagnosis in exceptional cases, Tomograms of the TMJ in habitual
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occlusion and maximum mouth opening may be analyzed from

condyle position in relation to the fossa, width of the joint space, etc.
Adolescents with Class ITdiv 1 malocclusions and lip 'dysfunction
are most frequently affected by TMJ disorders. Therefore, orofacial
dysfunctions must also be assessed as they may lead to unbalanced
joint loading which can then trigger off TMJ disturbances.

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