Introduction to Dental Occlusion: Key Concepts and Anatomy

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| Attempts: 12 | Questions: 21 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025
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1. What is a condyle?

Explanation

A condyle refers to a specific anatomical structure in the human body, specifically in the lower jaw, and is involved in the jaw movement and articulation.

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About This Quiz
Introduction To Dental Occlusion: Key Concepts and Anatomy - Quiz

Explore the fundamentals of dental occlusion with 'Occlusion Basics_part1.' This educational tool is designed to enhance your understanding of how teeth align and interact. Essential for dental students and professionals, it focuses on critical skills in dental health and occlusion mechanics.

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2. What is the Glenoid Fossa?

Explanation

The Glenoid Fossa is a specific anatomical feature related to the skull structure, not to be confused with other unrelated terms.

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3. What is a tubercle?

Explanation

A tubercle is a small rounded projection or protuberance, and in anatomy, it specifically refers to a slight elevation on a bone that serves as an attachment point for muscles or ligaments. The incorrect answers provided are misleading in their descriptions and do not accurately define a tubercle.

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4. What is the term for the mandible moving toward the cheek?

Explanation

The term 'Working Side' refers to the side of the mandible where movement occurs towards the cheek during mastication. This side typically experiences greater support and condyle pivots within the socket.

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5. What is Centric Relation (CR) in relation to the chewing cycle?

Explanation

Centric Relation (CR) is a specific position of the mandible in relation to the maxilla where the condyles are placed in their most anterior and superior position. This position is crucial for various dental procedures and treatments, as it helps in determining proper occlusion and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is different from centric occlusion, which is the habitual or maximum intercuspation of the teeth.

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6. What is Maximal Intercuspal Position?

Explanation

Maximal Intercuspal Position refers to the complete intercuspation of opposing teeth regardless of condylar position, and it may or may not rely on condylar placement.

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7. What is laterotrusion?

Explanation

Laterotrusion refers to the movement of the mandible where the condyle moves on the working side in the horizontal plane. This movement is important in tasks such as chewing and speaking.

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8. What is mediotrusion?

Explanation

Mediotrusion is the movement of the condyle towards the nonworking side, which is a lateral movement. It is important in the study of mandibular movements and occlusion.

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9. What is a protrusion?

Explanation

Protrusion in dentistry refers to the position of the mandible being anterior to centric relation, as opposed to being posterior. It is important to differentiate between protrusion and other dental terms to properly diagnose and treat patients.

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10. What is Centric Occlusion (CO)?

Explanation

Centric Occlusion refers to the position of the teeth when the jaw is in centric relation, not when it is in a protrusive or misaligned position.

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11. What is meant by Eccentric Occlusion?

Explanation

Eccentric occlusion refers to any tooth contacts other than the ideal centric occlusion position, including working, balancing, and protrusive contacts.

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12. What is Horizontal Overlap?

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13. What is Vertical Overlap?

Explanation

Vertical Overlap refers to the situation where the maximum teeth extend vertically over the main teeth. It is important in various fields, such as dentistry and engineering, to ensure proper alignment and functionality.

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14. In Class I occlusion, where does the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar fall in relation to the lower first molar?

Explanation

Class I occlusion is considered normal when the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar falls in the buccal groove of the lower first molar, creating a proper alignment for functional occlusion.

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15. What is a Class II malocclusion characterized by?

Explanation

Class II malocclusion is characterized by the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar being anterior to the buccal groove of the lower first molar, resulting in a deficient chin.

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16. In Class III malocclusion, what is the relationship between the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar and the buccal groove of the lower first molar?

Explanation

In Class III malocclusion, the relationship between the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar being posterior to the buccal groove of the lower first molar results in an excessive chin length and a characteristic underbite appearance.

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17. What does VDO refer to in dentistry?

Explanation

VDO specifically relates to the vertical dimension of occlusion in dentistry, which is crucial in ensuring the proper alignment and functionality of the dental arches.

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18. What is occlusion in dentistry?

Explanation

Occlusion refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together in the mouth, specifically during chewing or when the jaw is at rest. It is important for proper alignment and function of the teeth.

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19. What is malocclusion?

Explanation

Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth and jaws, leading to a 'bad bite' which can result in various health and dental issues. It is different from a toothache, sore throat, or temporary discoloration of teeth.

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20. What does TMJ stand for?

Explanation

TMJ commonly refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It is responsible for movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning.

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21. What is TMJ?

Explanation

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. For more detailed information, it is recommended to visit the provided link to the Wikipedia page dedicated to TMJ.

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  • Answered
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What is a condyle?
What is the Glenoid Fossa?
What is a tubercle?
What is the term for the mandible moving toward the cheek?
What is Centric Relation (CR) in relation to the chewing cycle?
What is Maximal Intercuspal Position?
What is laterotrusion?
What is mediotrusion?
What is a protrusion?
What is Centric Occlusion (CO)?
What is meant by Eccentric Occlusion?
What is Horizontal Overlap?
What is Vertical Overlap?
In Class I occlusion, where does the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper...
What is a Class II malocclusion characterized by?
In Class III malocclusion, what is the relationship between the...
What does VDO refer to in dentistry?
What is occlusion in dentistry?
What is malocclusion?
What does TMJ stand for?
What is TMJ?
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