Introduction to Occlusion

Gnathology

the science that deals with the anatomy, histology, physiology, and pathology of the jaws and the masticatory system as a whole, including the applicable diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative procedures

Occulsion

The physical contact of the biting surfaces of opposing teeth or their replacements

Cell populations

teeth, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, odontoblasts, muscles of mastication, tendons, ligaments, etc.

True or false; it has recently been proven that proper management of the occlusion is directly correlated to the successful treatment and maintenance of the teeth and at time, the supporting tissues

True

True or false; It has been scientifically proven that occlusion is directly correlated to the musculoskeletal disorders that affect the jaw (TMJ or masticatory muscle disorders)

False

Is it the "norm" to have morphologic variations in occlusion?

Yes

True or false; you should take in ones own anatomy when dealing with occlusion instead of using a stereotyped universal basis

True

Proper occlusion=

long-term restorative success

Articulator

a mechanical equivalent of the TMJ and jaws, to which maxillary and mandibular dental casts may be attached

What is the use of an articulator?

diagnosis of dental occlusion conditions in both natural and artificial dentitions to plan dental procedures that involve positions, contours, and relationships of natural and artificial teeth as they relate to each other

Top arrow

Upper member

second arrow from top

Axis

Second arrow from bottom

Lower member

Bottom arrow

Anterior guide pin with table

Class of articulator and description

Class I, a simple holding articulator capable of accepting a single static registration; a vertical position

Class of articulator and description

Class II, an instrument that permits a horizontal as well as vertical motion, but does not orient the motion of the TMJ

Class of articulator and description

Class III, an instrument that stimulations condylar pathways by using average or mechanical equivalents for all the motion. These instruments allow for orientation of the casts to the joints

Class of articulator and description

Class IV, an instrument that will accept three dimensional dynamic registrations; these instruments will allow for orientation of the casts to the TMJs and simulation of mandibular movements

What are the uses of an articulator?

- Diagnosis

- treatment planning

- diagnosis wax-up

- occlusal adjustment

- fabrication of prostheses

1.

Clamp screw

2.

Articular fossa

3.

Top plate

4.

Incisal pin

5.

Base

6.

Incisal block

What is this?

Centric latch

What is this and what position does this mean?

Built-in support pin; unlocked

How many working positions are there for our articulator?

3

What is this?

Retentive elastics

What number should the incisal guide be set at?

0

What number should the condylar guides be set at?

30