Occlusion

Occlusion is the field of Dental Medicine responsible for studying the contact relationships between the dental arches. Its scope includes the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of both misalignment-related issues (malocclusion) and disorders affecting the joints that connect the jaw to the skull – the temporomandibular joints (TMJs).

The TMJ, a bilateral joint that connects the mandible to the skull, can be felt just in front of the ear during mandibular movements such as speaking, swallowing, and chewing. It is one of the most complex joints in the human body, consisting of various structures, including the articular disc (similar to the knee’s meniscus), which acts as a cushion between the skull and the mandibular condyle during movement.

Proper dental alignment is essential for the stability of the disc within the TMJ. Therefore, malocclusion is often a contributing factor in TMJ disorders. In addition, TMJ dysfunction may also be related to common habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism), biting objects, nail biting, and poor head posture during sleep. Factors like stress, depression, and anxiety can also indirectly worsen these conditions.

Some of these disorders manifest as facial pain, fatigue in the facial muscles, clicking or pain in the joint, or difficulty with jaw movements (opening, closing, and/or lateral deviations).

It is essential to assess the dynamic balance of the masticatory system and evaluate both the morphology and functionality of its components. Early intervention can prevent the progression of conditions that negatively impact quality of life.