Occlusion
Definition
The way upper and lower teeth meet when the jaw closes. Occlusal wear patterns, class I/II/III relationships, and individual facets on specific cusps are recorded in charting and compared ante-mortem to post-mortem.
Related terms
- Cementum
- A thin, bone-like mineralised tissue that covers the external surface of the tooth root. Deposited incrementally throughout life in alternating translucent and...
- Crown
- The visible portion of a tooth above the gum line, covered by enamel. In forensic charting, crown morphology, restorations, and wear patterns...
- Deciduous Dentition
- The first set of 20 teeth, also called primary or milk teeth, that erupt from approximately six months and are progressively replaced...
- Dentine
- The mineralised tissue forming the bulk of the tooth, surrounding the pulp chamber and root canal. Contains a network of dentinal tubules,...
- Enamel
- The outermost layer of the tooth crown, formed by ameloblasts before tooth eruption. Composed of approximately 96% hydroxyapatite mineral by weight. Acellular...
Explained in
- Dental Anatomy: Morphology, Tissues and the ArchesThe way upper and lower teeth meet when the jaw closes. Occlusal wear patterns, class I/II/III relationships, and individual facets on specific cusps are recor...