Occlusion, in a dental context, means simply the contact between teeth. More technically, it is the relationship between the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth when they approach each other, as occurs during chewing or at rest.
Malocclusion is the misalignment of teeth and jaws, or more simply, a "bad bite." Malocclusion can cause number of health and dental problems.
Static occlusion refers to contact between teeth when the jaw is closed and stationary, while dynamic occlusion refers to occlusal contacts made when the jaw is moving, as with chewing.
Centric occlusion is the occlusion a person makes when they close their jaw and fit their teeth together in maximum intercuspation. It is also referred to as a person's habitual bite, bite of convenience, or intercuspation position (ICP). Centric relation, not to be confused with centric occlusion, is a relationship between the upper and lower jaw.
