What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: O is for Occlusion

Occlusion is the manner in which upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) teeth contact and rest on one another when they are brought together to close the mouth or chew, commonly called bite.

Dynamic occlusion, or articulation, is the occlusion when there is jaw movement.  This includes when you are eating.  Static occlusion is occlusion when the jaw is closed and is not moving.

Dynamic Occlusion

Static Occlusion

When there is improper contact resulting in misalignment, it is called malocclusion.  Malocclusion is associated with a variety of problems.

Both genetic variation and environmental factors affect occlusion and can result in malocclusion, since bone structure and the size, shape, and location of teeth vary between people.  Tumors, impacted teeth, pacifier use, improperly fitted oral appliances, wear/abrasion, restorative treatments (such as braces, fillings, invisalign, and crowns), breathing though the mouth, biting on nails or other objects, thumb sucking, and injury can also lead to malocclusion.

As a person ages and develops, their occlusion may change.  Remember that many infants are born without teeth, baby teeth erupt and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth.  All teeth are subject to wear and infection.  People may also have supernumerary (more than a normal number of) teeth, may be missing teeth, or may have large, small, or loose teeth, which may lead to malocclusion.

Malocclusion should be treated by a dentist.  A dentist will be able to evaluate a patient and check for malocclusion.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: F is for Filling

When a tooth is subjected to trauma or has decay, a dental filling may be used to restore it.  If a tooth is decayed, first, the decayed matter must be cleared.  

Fillings can be tooth colored or metallic.  When choosing between the types, a patient should consider durability, the potential for sensitivity, and aesthetics.

Several fillings are tooth colored, including dental composites, glass ionomer cement, and porcelain/ceramic.  These tooth-colored fillings vary in composition.  They restore the tooth structure while appearing to be part of the original tooth.  

Composite Filling

Gold and amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, are also commonly used filling materials. They are not tooth-colored so aesthetic concerns are important when considering these options.  

Gold fillings are durable but can cause irritation because they conduct cold and heat.  They are very long-lasting.

Concern has been raised about the mercury contained in amalgam fillings but the American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that the mercury in amalgam fillings is not a health hazard.

Aluminum, tin, thorium, iron, and platinum have also been used for fillings.

Fillings, on average, last approximately 8 years for composite resins and 13 years for amalgam restorations.  The lifestyle of a patient, including food choices and dental care regimens, also affect the lifespan of a filling.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: I is for Implant

A dental implant is a restoration in which a missing tooth is replaced with a support structure which is inserted into the bone, similar to the root of a natural tooth.  The post, with time, undergoes osseointegration, forming a connection with the bone.  Dental implants are often made of titanium.  They are connected to abutments which support prostheses such as crowns. 

 

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or support a denture.  Implants provide support to dental restorations.

What is the difference between a dental implant and bridge?

An implant is inserted into the dental alveolus (socket in the bone which holds the tooth).  When only one tooth is missing, it simulates the placement of a single tooth.  A dental implant is a replacement for a natural tooth.  A dental bridge is attached to surrounding natural teeth after they are filed, which results in the loss of natural tooth structure. When possible, many dentists advise patients to maintain the maximum amount of natural tooth structure.  Bridges and implants also differ in cost.