Dental Occlusion Concepts

Questions and Answers

What is the term for the distance measured between points when occluding members are in contact?

Interocclusal Rest Space

Physiological Rest Position

Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (correct)

Vertical Dimension of Rest

Which statement correctly describes the Physiological Rest Position?

It requires dental occlusion for accuracy.

It is the mandibular position with muscle equilibrium in tonic contraction. (correct)

It is the position when the mandible is fully closed.

It involves the head being tilted forward.

What does the Interocclusal Rest Space represent?

The distance when the mandible is at maximum intercuspation.

The distance between the vertical dimension of rest and the vertical dimension of occlusion. (correct)

The space required for dental restoration placement.

The distance between the upper and lower dental arches.

How does the anterior guidance affect the masseter and temporal muscles?

It reduces their elevating activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which class of occlusion is characterized by a greater than 5mm discrepancy?

Class II Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following captures the essence of the Vertical Dimension of Rest?

It involves selected points on the face while the mandible is at rest. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily regulates jaw muscle tonus in response to changes in vertical dimension?

Periodontal receptor afferent discharge Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Secondary Occlusal Trauma?

Injury resulting from normal forces on inadequately supported teeth Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with occlusal trauma?

Chipped or fractured teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is a key therapeutic goal when managing occlusal trauma?

Occlusal adjustment and stabilization of mobile teeth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the occlusal forces on implants is correct?

Implants are subjected to the same masticatory forces as natural teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is one management consideration for implant-retained restorations?

Avoid lateral excursive contacts Signup and view all the answers

What does an increase in the vertical dimension of occlusion typically lead to?

Aesthetic facial enhancement Signup and view all the answers

In the context of interocclusal rest space, which is true?

It is influenced by the position of lips and tongue Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is associated with chronic occlusal trauma?

Gradual changes in occlusion over time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an effect of occlusal overloading on implants?

Formation of crater-like bone defects Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for the Frankfort Mandibular Angle (FMA)?

25O +/- 5O Signup and view all the answers

What class of posterior closest speaking space is defined as 4-8 mm?

Class II Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT mentioned for measuring vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO)?

Facial aesthetics assessment Signup and view all the answers

Why is the orientation of the occlusal plane important?

It influences the esthetic smile profile. Signup and view all the answers

What is one adaptation patients might make if they experience a loss of VDO?

Adjust to a more forward position of the mandible. Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement correlates 95% of the time with facial dimensions across life?

McGee's three dimensions Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the tactile sense/proprioception method for measuring VDO?

The patient opens wide until muscle strain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum acceptable measurement for a high Frankfort Mandibular Angle (FMA)?

30O Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator of excessive facial strain related to occlusal dimensions?

Decrease in vertical dimension of occlusion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anterior Guidance and Muscle Activity

Elimination of posterior contacts through proper anterior guidance can decrease the elevating activity of the masseter and temporal muscles.

Vertical Dimension Concepts

Physiological Rest Position: Mandibular position at rest with equilibrium in muscle tonus; condyles in a neutral position.
Vertical Dimension of Rest: Distance between specified facial points when mandible is in rest position.
Vertical Dimension of Occlusion: Distance between points during occlusal contact.
Interocclusal Rest Space: Difference between vertical dimensions at rest and occlusion.
Jaw muscle tonus can adapt to major changes in vertical dimension, with tooth contact being crucial for this adaptation.

Occlusal Trauma

Signs and Symptoms of occlusal trauma include:
- Progressive tooth mobility and migration
- Bone loss and root resorption
- Pain during chewing or percussion
- Chipped teeth and widened periodontal ligament space
Therapeutic Goals may involve:
- Occlusal adjustments and stabilization of mobile teeth
- Orthodontic movement and occlusal reconstruction

Implant Occlusion

Implant-Retained Restorations exhibit similar masticatory forces to natural teeth, but lack periodontal ligament (PDL) leading to reduced proprioception (9x less tactile sensation).
Axial displacement in teeth ranges from 25-100 microns; osseointegrated implants display around 3-5 microns motion, making them more prone to occlusal overload and associated complications.

Occlusal Considerations for Implants

Natural teeth should make initial contact; implants should exhibit light occlusion (approx. 30 microns infra-occlusion).
Avoid excursive contacts to prevent lateral forces.

Cephalometric Analysis

Monitor Lower Facial Height and Frankfort Mandibular Angle (FMA):
- Normal FMA ranges from 25° ± 5°.
- High FMA > 30°; Low FMA < 20°.

Functional Assessments

Tactile sense and proprioception are assessed through jaw position and muscle strain.
Facial dimensions can be measured, with correlations observed in developmental studies.

Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO)

No singular method to precisely measure VDO; various procedures should be combined for accuracy.
Adaptive increases in VDO vary; loss impacts both vertical and horizontal mandibular positioning.

Occlusal Plane Importance

The orientation of the occlusal plane is critical for esthetic dental design; changes can disrupt the maxillary and mandibular harmony.

Basics of Occlusion

Understanding occlusal concepts aids in reducing patient visits and adjustments, aiming to restore:
- Esthetics, masticatory efficiency, and phonetics.
Occlusion defined as the relationship of masticatory system components in function and dysfunction.
Articulation includes all mandible positions relative to maxilla during mastication.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Anatomy

Composed of three key units:
- Glenoid Fossa (Temporal Bone): Seats the condyle-disc assembly.
- Interarticular Disc (Meniscus): Fibrocartilage structure facilitating joint movement; thicker posteriorly (3mm).
- Condyle (Mandible): Engages with the disc for movement.
The disk divides the joint into:
- Superior cavity: for translatory movement.
- Inferior cavity: for rotational movement.

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Description

Explore the principles behind the vertical dimension of occlusion and the physiological rest position. Understand how anterior guidance can influence muscle activity in dental contexts. Test your knowledge on these essential dental concepts.