MAXILLARY AND MANDIBULAR BONE STRUCTURES IN RELATION TO DENTAL OCCLUSION: ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVES, A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Kamel Earar, Alina-Ramona Dimofte, Vladimir Buga, Razvan Leata, Zaharia Adrian Ionuț, Cicerone Catalin Grigorescu, Magdalena Negraia Rusu, Doriana Agop Forna, Genoveva-Cristina Albert

Abstract

The maxillary and mandibular bones represent the principal skeletal components of the stomatognathic system and play a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of dental occlusion. Their morphology, growth patterns, and structural adaptation are closely related to functional stimuli generated during mastication and occlusal loading. The alveolar bone surrounding the teeth exhibits continuous remodeling in response to mechanical forces transmitted through the dentition, highlighting the dynamic interaction between skeletal structures and occlusal function. Advances in imaging techniques, particularly cone-beam computed tomography and cephalometric analysis, have significantly improved understanding of dentoalveolar morphology and craniofacial skeletal relationships. These methods allow detailed evaluation of alveolar bone dimensions, tooth position, and maxillary-mandibular relationships that influence occlusal stability. In addition, functional factors such as occlusal force and masticatory activity contribute to structural adaptation of the jawbones, influencing both bone architecture and dental alignment. Understanding the anatomical and functional relationship between maxillary and mandibular bone structures and dental occlusion is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning in orthodontics and restorative dentistry.

DOI: 10.62610/RJOR.2025.1.18.11