Dental Occlusion Assessment Quiz

The alignment of the upper front teeth, also known as the incisal plane. It can be corrected with orthodontic or prosthodontic treatments.

A situation when the anterior occlusal plane is tilted backward, with the upper teeth leaning back.

The curved path of the lower teeth from the canine to the condyle, described by F. Graf Von Spee. It influences lateral movement, grinding, parafunctional habits, and temporomandibular joint health.

The ability of the jaw to move sideways, guided by the curve of Spee and the alignment of the teeth.

When the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly, leading to grinding or uneven wear.

Habits that damage teeth and joints, like clenching or grinding.

The joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, affected by the curve of Spee.

A condition affecting the TMJ, potentially caused by an imbalance in the curve of Spee.

A transverse curve that passes along the buccal and lingual cusps of the premolars and molars, observed from a coronal (frontal) plane.

A plane that passes midway between the cusp tips of the mandibular molars and through the incisal edges of the mandibular incisors. It's an average wave plane, and it's unique for each person.

A change in the Curve of Wilson that can occur when maxillary molars are moved buccally (outward) to expand the dental arch. This tipping movement alters the curve across the teeth.

A condition where the Curve of Spee is excessively curved, impacting muscle balance and proper occlusion (how the teeth meet).

The lever system that describes our chewing process.

When the chewing force is applied closer to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), more force is needed on the occlusal surfaces.

Posterior teeth are positioned further away from the TMJ and have larger occlusal surfaces.

The natural, relaxed position of the jaw where the teeth are not touching.

The posterior teeth are positioned to protect the anterior teeth from excessive force during chewing.

Missing posterior teeth cause an imbalance of forces during biting, leading to excessive wear on the anterior teeth.

Both the upper and lower teeth contact simultaneously during the closing movement, distributing the force.

Keeping posterior teeth is important for preventing damage to the anterior teeth from excessive shear forces during occlusion.

The mesial marginal ridge on the lingual surface of the maxillary central incisor is where the tooth contacts during biting.

The tooth #8 (Maxillary Central Incisor) and #7 (Maxillary Lateral Incisor) have a specific contact point during biting.

The mesial marginal ridge of the maxillary canine is where the tooth contacts during biting.

The maxillary teeth have specific contact points that provide efficient and balanced chewing.

Not all cusps in posterior teeth have the same function, making posterior occlusion complicated.

The act of checking how well someone's upper and lower teeth fit together.

The point at which the upper and lower teeth meet most closely together.

Tiny, focused points of contact between your upper and lower teeth.

The way the teeth are aligned in the front, at the maximum point of contact.

The way the teeth are aligned at the back, at the maximum point of contact.

The process of analyzing the overall arrangement of teeth and how they make contact when the jaws are closed.

Points where the upper and lower teeth touch when the jaws are closed.

The heaviest contacts between the upper and lower teeth, indicating where the most force is applied.

A tool used to mark and see where the teeth are touching when the jaws are closed.

A specialized tool that holds the articulating paper in place during tooth contact

A thin sheet of material used to record tooth contacts, providing a more accurate representation of the bite.

The thickness of articulating paper that is recommended by dental professionals for more accurate contact detection during bite analysis

Contacts that are either too soon, too numerous, or too heavy, leading to instability and potential damage to the tooth or restoration.

A type of occlusal contact where a cusp (pointed part) contacts a flat surface, creating a stable and predictable contact.

The ideal scenario where forces during biting are directed along the long axis of the tooth, minimizing stress and strain.

A type of occlusal scheme aiming for 3 points of contact on the occlusal table: one on the functional cusp, one on the non-functional cusp, and one on the marginal ridge.

A common error where the cusp tip is in contact with the deepest portion of the fossa, creating undesired shearing forces and instability.

A contact on the buccal surfaces of a tooth, which is generally avoided as it can lead to undesirable forces and tooth displacement.

An excessive number of contacts on a tooth, creating instability and uneven force distribution.