What term describes the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth when biting down?

The term that describes the relationship between the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth when biting down is "occlusion." This term refers to how the upper and lower teeth come together during closure of the jaw, and it is a fundamental concept in dentistry, particularly in understanding how bite patterns can affect oral health and functional efficiency.

In healthy occlusion, the teeth align properly, which allows for efficient chewing, speaking, and overall oral function. Proper occlusion can also influence the alignment of the entire jaw, affecting not only dental health but also the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and facial structure.

While the other terms provide context that relates to dental anatomy, they do not specifically define the relationship of the biting surfaces of the teeth when closed. For instance, alignment generally refers to the straightness and positioning of individual teeth, while prognathism describes specific protrusions of the jaw that can lead to certain types of malocclusion. Malocclusion, on the other hand, describes an improper alignment of the teeth when the jaws are closed, which contrasts with the ideal state of occlusion where the maxillary and mandibular teeth fit correctly together. Thus, occlusion is the most precise term for the interaction of