What is the term used to describe the relationship of the upper and lower arches in dentistry?

The term that describes the relationship of the upper and lower arches in dentistry is occlusion. This concept refers specifically to how the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed, as well as the way they interact during movements such as chewing or speaking. Proper occlusion is essential for effective chewing, speech, and maintaining overall oral health, as misalignment can lead to various dental issues including tooth wear, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint disorders.

While alignment pertains to the positioning of individual teeth within the arches, it does not encompass the relationship between the upper and lower arches. Prognathism describes a specific jaw relationship, often referring to the projection of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw, but it doesn’t address the broader concept of how both arches interact. Articulation is used in various contexts in dentistry, often relating to the act of speaking or the movement of the jaw, but it does not specifically define the relationship between the upper and lower dental arches as comprehensively as occlusion does. Thus, occlusion is the most accurate term for this relationship in dentistry.