Okuzeka
Dentistry vocabulary · Orthodontics

Occlusion

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/əˈkluːʒən/nounCommon term

In dentistry, occlusion means: The way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaws close, and how they touch during chewing and other jaw movements.

In Turkish: oklüzyon, kapanış

How it is used

Patients call it their bite ('My bite feels high'). Dentists check and adjust the occlusion after fillings and crowns, and orthodontists classify it, for example as Class I, II or III in Angle's classification.

Example sentences

  1. Let's check your occlusion; bite together on this paper for me.

  2. After the crown was fitted, the occlusion felt high on that side.

Common collocations

  • check the occlusion
  • adjust the occlusion
  • Class II occlusion
  • centric occlusion
  • high occlusion
  • malocclusionA problem with the way the teeth meet or line up, such as crowding, gaps, a deep overbite or an underbite. It is the main reason for orthodontic treatment.
  • occlusalDescribes the biting or chewing surface of a back tooth, or anything to do with the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
  • bruxismThe habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often during sleep and without the person knowing. It can wear teeth down and cause jaw pain and headaches.
  • TMJShort for temporomandibular joint: the joint just in front of each ear that connects the lower jaw to the skull and lets the mouth open, close and move sideways.

More terms: Orthodontics

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.