Occlusion is the area of Dental Medicine that studies how the upper and lower teeth relate to each other.

A poor relationship between the jaws and/or improper tooth positioning can affect essential functions such as chewing, speaking, smiling, or even yawning.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, is complex and involves not only the muscles of the face but also those of the cervical spine. Poor occlusion can lead to dysfunction of this joint.

Patients experiencing pain (in the head or neck), clicking or popping sounds, limited ability to open or close the mouth, difficulty chewing, or worn teeth should be evaluated. Bruxism (teeth grinding) and its consequences can - and should - be managed.