HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Achieve Exam Success!

The term "occlusion" specifically refers to the way teeth meet and align when the jaw is closed. It encompasses not only the contact between opposing teeth but also the overall relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Understanding occlusion is crucial for dental health, as it can influence bite function, the wear on teeth, and the potential for jaw discomfort. In orthodontics and restorative dentistry, assessing occlusion helps determine the need for corrective procedures to ensure teeth function smoothly together and to maintain oral health.

The other options describe different aspects of dental anatomy and procedures but do not accurately capture the definition of occlusion:

- The process of extracting a tooth pertains to dental extractions, which is a separate concept.

- The alignment of teeth in the mouth relates to orthodontic positioning and aesthetics but does not encompass the functional aspect of how teeth meet during closure.

- The spacing between teeth refers to interdental spaces or gaps, which is unrelated to the functional interaction of opposing teeth during occlusion.