docclusion

Docclusion is a term used in some dental and medical informatics contexts to refer to the documentation of occlusion—the contact relationships between the teeth and the positional relationships of the jaws during rest and function. The word is a blend of documentation and occlusion and is not universally standardized; its meaning and scope vary by author and institution.

In practice, docclusion involves recording static and dynamic occlusion data, including centric occlusion, occlusal contacts, canine guidance, group function, and movements such as lateral and protrusive excursions. Data sources may include articulators, bite registrations, intraoral photographs, radiographs, and digital 3D scans. Digital technologies enable the alignment of occlusal data with patient anatomy in CAD/CAM workflows, orthodontic simulation, and prosthodontic planning.

Applications of docclusion include treatment planning for restorations and prosthetics, orthodontic analysis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment, and wear analysis. It supports communication among clinicians, labs, and researchers by providing structured records of how teeth contact and how the mandible moves during function.

Limitations and criticisms note that the term lacks universal standardization, with variation in measurement methods and recording practices. Static records may not fully capture dynamic function, and terminology can differ from more established concepts such as occlusal analysis or bite registration. See also occlusion, dental occlusion, bite registration, articulator, and occlusal analysis.