| occlusal adjustment | Selective grinding of occlusal surfaces of the teeth in an effort to eliminate premature contacts and occlusal interferences; to establish optimal masticatory effectiveness, stable occlusal relationships, direction of main occlusal forces, and efficient multidirectional patterns, to improve functional relations and to induce physiologic stimulation of the masticatory system; to eliminate occlusal trauma; to eliminate abnormal muscle tension; to aid in the stabilization of orthodontic results; to treat peridontal and temporomandibular joint problems; and in restorative procedures. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| occlusal analysis | A study of the relations of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth and their effect upon related structures. Synonym: bite analysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal balance | A condition in which there are simultaneous contacts of the occluding units of the opposing dental arches in centric and eccentric positions within the functional range. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal caries | Caries starting from the occlusal surface of a tooth. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal clearance | A condition in which the opposing occlusal surfaces may glide over one another without any interfering projection. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal correction | The correction of malocclusion, by whatever means is employed, elimination of disharmony of occlusal contacts. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal curvature | A curved surface which makes simultaneous contact with the major portion of the incisal and occlusal prominences of the existing teeth, the curve of a dentition on which the occlusal surfaces lie. Synonym: occlusal curvature. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal disharmony | Contacts of opposing occlusal surfaces of teeth which are not in harmony with other tooth contacts and with the anatomic and physiologic control of the mandible, occlusions which do not coincide with their respective jaw relations. See: deflective occlusal contact. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal embrasure | A space existing on the occlusal aspect of the interproximal contact areas between adjacent posterior teeth. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal force | The result of muscular force applied on opposing teeth. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal form | The form of the occlusal surface of a tooth or a row of teeth. Synonym: occlusal pattern. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal imbalance | An inharmonious relationship between the teeth of the maxilla and mandible during closing or functional movements of the jaw. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal path | A gliding occlusal contact, the path of movement of an occlusal surface. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal pattern | The form of the occlusal surface of a tooth or a row of teeth. Synonym: occlusal pattern. (05 Mar 2000) |
| occlusal plane | <dentistry> The imaginary surface on which upper and lower teeth meet. (08 Jan 1998) |