Abstract
Because the study of occlusion is a basic area in dentistry, its components, physiology and integration with the stomatognathic system (SS) have been the subject of interest in the scientific literature. However, the focus given to this issue has changed substantially. Currently, new approaches have been proposed in order to update concepts and to demonstrate the full integration and functionality of this system within the human body. With this approach, the authors proposed the following literature review aimed at gathering recent papers (published from 2000 to 2010) with innovative study design, methodology and/or results. The authors’ intention is to show the main trends in the study of occlusion and the SS. The literature review was conducted in the PubMed database, using initially the term “dental occlusion” as a key-word. As items of interest were found, papers were grouped by categories according to their main subject matter. Forty-seven articles were selected and the main categories obtained were: 1. functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); 2. brain activation; 3. masticatory/occlusal function; 4. body function and physical performance; 5. osseoperception; 6. finite element models; and 7. occlusion and pain. Observing the current literature, the authors found that recent studies present different methodologies for the study of occlusion. These studies have allowed scientists to obtain detailed information about the physiology of occlusion and the SS, as well as about its integration in the body. Research in this area should be continued in order to clarify, in detail, the role of each component of the SS and its interaction with human physiology.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Ana Lúcia Franco
Dr. Ana Lúcia Franco received her D.D.S. degree in 2006 and her M.Sc. in 2009 from the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student in oral rehabilitation, and she is also a member of GAPEDOC (Assistance and Research Group in Orofacial Pain and Headache) at the same university.
Marcelo Ferrarezi de Andrade
Dr. Marcelo Ferrarezi de Andrade has earned a D.D.S. degree as well as M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil, and a speciality in dental prothesis (USP - Univ. of São Paulo, Brazil). Currently, he is a professor at the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the same university.
José Claudio Martins Segalla
Dr. José Claudio Martins Segalla has earned a D.D.S. degree from the University of Marilia – UNIMAR, Brazil, as well as a speciality in restorative dentistry from the Univ. Estadual Paulista – UNESP, Campus Araraquara, Brazil and a M.Sc. in oral rehabilitation from the USP - University of São Paulo, Brazil and a Ph.D. degree in restorative dentistry from the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP – University Estadual Paulista, Brazil. Currently, he is a professor at the Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics at the same university.
Daniela Aparecida de Godoi Gonçalves
Dr. Daniela Aparecida de Godoi Gonçalves received a D.D.S. from the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil, an M.Sc. in neurosciences from the USP - University of São Paulo, Brazil, and a Ph.D. in restorative dentistry from the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil. She is also a specialist in orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders. Currently, she is a professor at the Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics and a coordinator of GAPEDOC (Assistance and Research Group in Orofacial Pain and Headache) at the same university.
Cinara Maria Camparis
Dr. Cinara Maria Camparis received a D.D.S. from the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil, an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in restorative dentistry from the same university. She is also a specialist in orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders. Currently, she is a professor at the Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics and a coordinator of GAPEDOC (Assistance and Research Group in Orofacial Pain and Headache) at the Araraquara Dental School – UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil.