How do you occlude your lower and upper teeth?

Ocluding your lower and upper teeth refers to the way in which your teeth bite together. Proper occlusion, also known as a good bite, occurs when the upper and lower teeth meet in a way that allows for efficient chewing, speaking, and overall oral function. Here's a general explanation of how your lower and upper teeth occlude:

1. Maxillary Central Incisors and Mandibular Central Incisors:

- When your teeth are in occlusion, your upper front teeth (maxillary central incisors) should slightly overlap your lower front teeth (mandibular central incisors).

2. Overbite and Overjet:

- Overbite refers to the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. A normal overbite is usually around 2-4 millimeters.

- Overjet refers to the horizontal overlap of your upper front teeth in front of the lower front teeth. A slight overjet is typically seen in a normal bite.

3. Canine Guidance:

- Your upper canine teeth (cuspids) should fit just in front of and slightly overlap the lower canine teeth. This relationship helps guide your lower jaw during lateral (side-to-side) movements.

4. First Molars:

- Your upper first molars have two prominent cusps (bumps) called the mesiobuccal and distobuccal cusps. These cusps fit into the grooves between the cusps of your lower molars, ensuring proper chewing.

5. Second Molars:

- The occlusion of the second molars is similar to the first molars, with the upper molars fitting into the lower molars.

6. Cuspid-Fossa Relationship:

- When biting down, your upper molars fit into the grooves of your lower molars and vice versa. This intricate cuspid-fossa relationship ensures efficient grinding of food during chewing.

Remember that everyone's bite is unique, and variations from these general descriptions may occur. If you have concerns about your occlusion or bite, it is advisable to consult a dentist or orthodontist for a personalized assessment and treatment plan. They can evaluate your specific situation and determine if any adjustments or interventions are necessary to achieve a healthy and functional occlusion.