While there is no single “correct” occlusion, normal physiological occlusion occurs when there are no symptoms to prevent the masticatory (chewing) system from functioning efficiently. Each person has their own optimal occlusion, which occurs when their occlusion is in harmony with the entire stomatognathic system. This includes the temporomandibular joint, the teeth and their supporting structures, and the neuromuscular elements used in chewing. In plain terms, ideal occlusion occurs when the back teeth rest comfortably against each other and the front teeth are well-aligned and touch each other lightly when the mouth is closed. An occlusal examination adds just a few simple steps to a traditional dental exam. Your dentist or orthodontist will first do an external exam of your facial appearance and musculature. They will also check your temporomandibular joint to make sure it is sitting comfortably in the socket, as a damaged TMJ can be a cause of jaw pain and contribute to TMJ disorder. This will be followed by an internal exam of your teeth and surrounding structures to find any occlusion or other problems. If you have experienced trauma to the teeth, jaw, face, or neck, you may want to talk to your dentist about the benefits of a full occlusal examination. The same is true if you have unexplained pain or tooth drifting, mobility, or uncommon wear patterns. Patients being fitted for braces or other orthodontic corrections generally receive an occlusal exam as well. A lack of occlusion can be corrected at the same time as other orthodontic issues are addressed.  Once the occlusal examination is complete, your dentist or orthodontist will make a determination about what, if any, interventions are necessary. Potential occlusal solutions include braces, retainers, nightguards, or even surgery.  If an occlusal sleep mouthguard is necessary, you may find the cost quoted by your dentist to be prohibitive. However, you can get a dental-quality custom fit with our CustMbite Nightguard for just a fraction of the price. Fitting the CustMbite Nightguard is a much easier process than fitting the nightguard you’d get from your dental professional. While it takes multiple office visits to get a mold of your teeth and then pick up the finished customized sleep mouthguard, all you need to customize a CustMbite Nightguard is a microwave, a bowl of cold water, and a couple of minutes.