This book provides a systematic exploration of dental occlusion, examining the functional relationships between teeth and their supporting structures during rest and movement. It begins with the foundational anatomy of the masticatory system, detailing the morphology of the temporomandibular joints, the actions of the associated musculature, and the pathways of the nerves that control and innervate this complex apparatus. The narrative establishes key concepts such as centric relation, a reproducible jaw position guided by ligaments and anatomy, and contrasts this with maximum intercuspation, the position of greatest tooth fit. A central theme involves the analysis of mandibular movement, describing the border pathways and the immediate side-shifts that occur during chewing and parafunctional activities.

The work guides the reader through the principles of an occlusal examination, from assessing tooth wear patterns and mobility to evaluating the stability of individual contacts in various jaw positions. It details the use of articulation paper to mark high spots and the role of facebow transfers and semi-adjustable articulators in recreating a patient’s jaw movements outside the mouth. The text differentiates between a physiologic occlusion, which exhibits acceptable adaptations to functional demands, and a traumatic occlusion, where the forces generated exceed the adaptive capacity of the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone, potentially contributing to tooth mobility, fremitus, and accelerated wear.