Occlusion Mechanism in Dentistry

Introduction

• This two-year curriculum was developed through a collaborative approach between academic faculty from several Egyptian universities and the Ministry of Health.
• The course design is based on rich discussions from workshops.
• The course content was created as a guide to the initial design.
• Special thanks to Prof. Sabah Al-Sharkawi, Dr. Azza Dosoky, Dr. Seada Farghly and the Ministry of Health and Population for their contributions.

Course Specifications

• The course is about the mechanism of normal occlusion and its discrepancies.
• Knowledge and Understanding: List important terms related to occlusion, identify principles of occlusion, describe the relationship between upper and lower teeth, the mechanism of mandibular movement, centric and eccentric relation, group guidance and canine guidance, and differentiate natural from artificial occlusion.
• Intellectual Skills: Be aware of important terminology, detect factors affecting patient occlusion, recognize basic mandibular movements, distinguish between canine and group guidance.
• General and Transferable Skills: Assess problems, work proficiently with others, practice independent learning using technology, evaluate information from sources to improve professional skills.
• Course Content: Introduction, terminology, principles, basic mandibular movements, natural and artificial occlusion, laws of articulation, and balanced occlusion.

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Provides an overview of occlusion.
• Lists important terms related to occlusion.
• Explains basic tooth structure.
• Identifies types of teeth and their functions.
• Describes the relationship between the skeletal, neuromuscular and tooth components of the masticatory system.
• Discusses occlusion as the way teeth meet when the jaw comes together in a functional relationship.

Chapter 2: Principles of Occlusion

• Outlines various positions, planes, directions and structures related to occlusion.
• Explaining terms such as occlusion, articulation, centric relation, and eccentric occlusion.
• Discusses the relationship between the maxillae and mandible in terms of occlusal contacts.
• Includes figures (1, 2) to illustrate various positions and relationships.

Chapter 3: Basic Mandibular Movements

• Details the complex series of interrelated movements of the mandible.
• Categorizes the movements as opening/closing, forward, backward, and lateral.
• Explains how these movements occur in relation to the temporomandibular joints (TMJs).
• Includes figures (28-32), which illustrate the movements.
• Discusses Christensen's phenomenon, which refers to the separation between upper and lower posterior teeth.

Chapter 4: Natural Vs. Artificial Occlusion

• Details characteristics of natural and artificial occlusion.
• Highlights the differences between the two.
• Includes figures (35-37) to illustrate the differences.

Chapter 5: Laws of Articulation

• Discusses the laws proposed by Hanau which govern bilateral balanced occlusion.
• Outlines components like inclination of the condylar path, incisal guidance angle, angle of the occlusal plane, compensating curves, cuspal height and inclination of posterior teeth.
• Discusses the importance of incisal guidance and its effect on posterior teeth.
• Includes the concepts of curves of Spee, Wilson, and Monson.

Chapter 6: Balanced Occlusion

• Defines balanced occlusion as the simultaneous occlusal contact of teeth in centric and eccentric positions.
• Differentiates between unilateral and bilateral occlusal balance
• Describes Protrusive occlusal balance, which involves simultaneous contacts on both sides and anterior teeth during protrusive movement.
• Explains the advantages and disadvantages of balanced occlusion.

References

• Includes lists of textbooks and other sources used for the course.