Dental Anatomy and Occlusion Quiz

The state of teeth touching, important for chewing and biting.

The contact between teeth when your jaw is still.

The contact between teeth when your jaw is moving.

The tissues surrounding your teeth, including the gums and bone.

The joint connecting your upper and lower jaw (jawbone and skull).

The visible part of a tooth above the gumline.

The part of the tooth below the gumline, anchored in the bone.

The strong connective tissue connecting tooth roots to the bone.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is formed by the articulation of the temporal bone of the cranium and the condyle of the mandible, with a fibrocartilaginous disc in between.

The TMJ is classified as a ginglymoarthrodial joint, meaning it combines both hinge and gliding movements.

The disc in the TMJ is made of fibrous tissue and is avascular and lacks nerves.

The temporalis, masseter, medial, and lateral pterygoids are the primary muscles responsible for chewing. They work together to elevate, depress, protrude, and retract the mandible.

The anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle also contribute to jaw movement by depressing the mandible and elevating the hyoid bone.

Ligaments surrounding the TMJ act as passive restraining devices, limiting excessive movements and preventing injury.

The space between the primary molars and their permanent successors is called Leeway Space. This space allows the permanent molars to drift forward naturally.

The Angle's classification of malocclusion describes the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular molars.

Incisal relationships refer to the alignment of the front teeth, and Angle's system also classifies this aspect of occlusion.

Class I occlusion is considered the ideal alignment, but doesn't take into account TMJ position.

Class II and III malocclusions are deviations from the ideal bite, but not all require treatment.

Intercuspal Position (ICP) is the position where the teeth naturally come together with maximum contact. It's the most common bite the patient uses.

Centric relation (CR) is a specific jaw position where the condyles are in a specific position in the joint, independent of tooth contact. It's considered the most relaxed jaw position.

The terminal hinge axis is the imaginary line through the condyles when the jaw is in the most retruded position.

Retruded Contact Position (RCP) is the first tooth contact when the jaw closes in the terminal hinge axis position.

The initial point of contact between teeth when the mandible closes from a retruded position.

The position where the teeth are in maximum intercuspation when the condyles are in their retruded position.

A schematic diagram showing the maximum movement of the mandible in all three planes.

The guidance provided by the TMJ and associated structures, including muscles and ligaments.

The condyle on the side of the mandible towards which the movement is taking place.

The condyle on the side of the mandible away from which the movement is taking place.

The guidance provided by the contacting teeth on the paths of mandibular movements.

A type of anterior guidance where the canines are the primary teeth guiding mandibular movements.

A type of anterior guidance where multiple teeth on the working side contact during lateral excursions.

A type of anterior guidance where the incisal edges of the anterior teeth guide mandibular movements.

An occlusal scheme where all teeth contact in all mandibular movements, both on the working and non-working sides.

An occlusal scheme where contacts are distributed on the working side teeth during lateral movements and non-working side teeth are disengaged.

An occlusal scheme where the posterior teeth disengage anterior teeth during lateral movements and the anterior teeth disengage posterior teeth during closure.

The ability of anterior teeth to disengage posterior teeth during lateral movements.

The ability of posterior teeth to disengage anterior teeth during closure.

The process of adjusting the way the teeth fit together in the mouth, aiming for a more functional and harmonious bite.

Maxillary and mandibular casts mounted on a device that simulates jaw movements, used to analyze the patient's bite and plan treatment.

A wax model of the teeth that helps visualize planned changes in shape and position.

The position where the teeth come together with maximum contact, often the most used bite.

A specific jaw position where the condyles of the jaw are in a specific spot in the joint, independent of tooth contact.

The first contact between teeth when the jaw is moved from CR to ICP.

An instrument that simulates jaw movements and helps mount casts in specific positions.

Posterior teeth should have heavier contacts than anterior teeth in ICP because they are positioned to withstand vertical forces.

A thin, flexible wire or plastic arch used to transfer the maxillary cast to the articulator, ensuring accurate position.

Anterior teeth are better suited to dissipate horizontal forces during lateral movements, so posterior teeth should disclude (not touch) on the working side.

Non-working side (NWS) teeth should also disclude to prevent excessive force on the TMJ and teeth during lateral movements.

A contact that forces the jaw off its intended movement path. Can be caused by teeth interfering with smooth gliding.

Any tooth contact that prevents or hinders smooth jaw movement. It occurs when teeth touch in an undesirable way during chewing or other jaw movements.

Restorations should not create an interference; they could overload the restoration. This can happen due to the way the filling or crown interacts with other teeth.

Interferences may also be associated with parafunction like bruxism (teeth grinding). This could result in uneven wear or pain in the jaw muscles.

Interferences can cause pain in the jaw muscles by altering their activity. But, the link between occlusion and TMJ disorders is complex and debated.

Most people have occlusal interferences, but not everyone develops TMJ problems. It's not always a cause of TMJ disorders.

Occlusal adjustment involves removing occlusal interferences by grinding teeth or using a hard occlusal splint. This helps achieve a stable jaw position.

When the jaw is in a comfortable, stable position, and the chewing system functions well.

Each person has their own 'ideal' occlusion, where the jaw and teeth work in harmony with other parts of the mouth.

Optimal functional occlusion aligns the jaw and teeth in a way that minimizes stress on the TMJ, teeth, and muscles.

Centric occlusion and centric relation align perfectly. This ensures the jaw is in its most stable position.

The jaw can move freely without interference from teeth when in centric occlusion.

Muscle tenderness or pain in the head and neck, often associated with grinding or clenching teeth.

The joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull.

A condition where the TMJ does not move smoothly, often with clicking or popping noises.

The distance between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is relaxed.

The distance between the upper and lower teeth when biting together.

The difference between RVD and OVD, usually 2-4mm.

A measurement used to assess the wear of teeth by comparing the vertical dimension of a person's bite at rest (RVD) and while biting (OVD).

The position where the upper and lower teeth are most tightly interlocked.

The movement of the mandible from CR to ICP. It should be smooth and consistent.

The movement of the mandible forward from ICP.

The movement of the mandible to the right or left.

A rhythmic, vibrating sensation felt in the teeth when biting or during certain movements.

A device used to guide the mandible into CR.

An appliance used to deprogram the jaw muscles and relax the occlusion.