What is Occlusion, its Importance, And How to Treat Occlusal Issues

Appearance

Dental occlusion is important for the appearance of the face. If teeth are not aligned properly, it affects facial symmetry because dental occlusion has a direct relation with lips, chin, and cheekbone. Proper occlusion gives the face and jaw a symmetrical appearance and more enhanced facial features.

Efficient Chewing

Occlusion is vital for the proper chewing and grinding of food. People with good occlusion often possess a healthy digestive system because what they eat is properly chewed. A well-defined bite ensures even pressure on all the teeth, making chewing smoother and more efficient.

Importance in Early Age

In early ages, when the bones are developing, it is important to have good occlusion. Any irregularities during the developing phase can cause damage to oral health. Oral health issues at such a young age may lead to bigger health problems later in life.

Speech and TMJ Functioning

With good occlusion, the tongue is placed in the correct position, and teeth are properly aligned. Both are important for normal speech. If the teeth don't occlude properly, they affect tongue placement and cause speech impediments like lisping. Also, having good occlusion avoids any muscle and jaw strain, allowing the TMJ to function properly and effectively.

Static Occlusion

Static occlusion describes the contact between the teeth when the jaw is not moving.

Dynamic Occlusion

Dynamic occlusion describes the contact teeth make when the mandible is moving.

Centric Occlusion

Centric occlusion describes your lower jaw’s position when all the teeth come together while taking a bite.

Angle Classification of Occlusion

Following are the three classes of occlusion:

Class 1 Occlusion

Class 1 occlusion (orthogenetic) involves a normal relationship between the upper and lower teeth and the jaw. However, it may include some spacing or overlapping of teeth. Minor treatments can fix this.

Class 2 Occlusion

Class 2 (retrognathic) is normally considered a malocclusion and it happens when the upper teeth stick out over the lower teeth. This kind of malocclusion has a significant effect on bites and needs early dental intervention.

Class 3 Occlusion

Class 3 (prognathic) is a type of malocclusion or bite issue in which lower teeth stick out over the upper teeth. It should be treated in time to avoid any future oral health problems.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate occlusion problems. These invisible trays gently exert pressure on teeth and jaw, shifting them to their ideal state. They are comfortable and affordable, giving you the smile you were always looking for. Another good quality of clear aligners is that they are removable, allowing you to enjoy your meal and maintain hygiene.

Braces

Braces have been used to fix misalignment of teeth for decades. These are made up of metal or ceramic and are applied onto the teeth so they gradually exert pressure and shift teeth to their naturally aligned position. These are effective for treating teeth misalignments but are very uncomfortable and require a lot of patience and consistency to treat.

Equilibration

Occlusal equilibration is the process of getting your bite balanced. This allows the jaw and teeth to function effectively with a minimal amount of strain on the joint, muscle, or teeth. This may involve filing down the teeth or adding bonding material to enhance the surface of the teeth.

Restorative Dentistry

Dentists often use restorative methods to repair the damaged teeth or replace the missing ones. These are cosmetic methods that give teeth their ideal and natural appearance. Some common kinds of restorative dentistry are crowns, bridges, or dental implants.

Advanced Technology

By incorporating the latest technology, we make sure our customers get what they are looking for. Our 3D smile projection shows you how the smile will look even before the treatment has started. How exciting is that!

Payment Refund

Our payment policies are very customer-friendly. We offer a full refund if you have paid for the treatment plan and, after receiving your impressions, our experts find that you are not eligible for it.

Faster Results

Getting a perfectly occluded smile as early as possible is now achievable with Smilepath Australia Clear Aligners. These aligners are made to end long-term treatment fatigue by fixing the malocclusion within 4-6 months, depending on the severity of the case.