Occlusion describes how the upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth and move your jaw. It is often called the bite. The question is not only how the teeth look in a photograph, but how they work together when biting and chewing.
Why bite on marking paper?
A thin marking material helps the dentist identify tooth contacts. It is useful after a filling, crown or bridge, among other situations. The coloured marks are one part of the assessment, not a complete diagnosis. Symptoms and jaw movements also matter.
If a new restoration feels too high
Contact the practice if one tooth seems to meet before the others or hurts when you bite after treatment. Do not try to file it down yourself. A review can establish whether an adjustment is needed or whether the discomfort has another cause.
The bite does not explain every facial pain
Jaw muscle and joint symptoms can have several causes. They do not automatically require tooth grinding or extensive changes to the bite. Before any irreversible procedure, ask about the diagnosis, purpose, alternatives and limitations.
Describe when the difficulty occurs: while chewing, on waking or when opening wide. This helps the dentist assess how the jaw and teeth function together rather than interpreting one tooth contact in isolation from your symptoms.