Occlusion: what it is and what it is not

Dental occlusion is much more than the physical contact of the biting surfaces of opposing teeth or their replacements. Occlusion is more comprehensively defined biologically as the coordinated functional interaction between the various cell populations forming the masticatory system as they differentiate, model, remodel, fail, and repair. Morphologic variations are very common and represent the norm. Even though the occlusal or musculoskeletal relationship may not meet the definition of the clinician's concept of an optimum or ideal occlusion, it must be appreciated that for that particular patient, the tissues of the masticatory system may have developed a stable, functional, healthy, and comfortable equilibrium. However, when the functional equilibrium is perturbed or when the occlusion is being re-established, specific treatment criteria are as important today, if not more important with the rapid growth of implant placements, as ever before. Treatment of the occlusion should be considered on an individual basis based on the specific physiologic needs of the various tissue systems within the masticatory system rather than on a preconceived, stereotyped or universal basis. It has long been established and recently proven that proper management of the occlusion is directly correlated to the successful treatment and maintenance of the teeth and, at times, the supporting tissues. On the other hand, it has not, to date, been scientifically proven that occlusion is directly correlated to the musculoskeletal disorders that affect the jaw (temporomandibular joint or masticatory muscle disorders).