In dentistry, maximum intercuspation refers to the occlusal

Commonly used terms of relationship and comparison in dentistry

There are numerous commonly used terms of relationship and comparison that refer to different aspects of teeth and are frequently utilized in articles about dentistry...

 position of the mandible in which the cusps

Cusp (dentistry)

A cusp is an occlusal or incisal eminence on a tooth.Canine teeth, otherwise known as cuspids, each possess a single cusp, while premolars, otherwise known as bicuspids, possess two each. Molars normally possess either four or five cusps...

 of the teeth of both arches fully interpose themselves with the cusps of the teeth of the opposing arch. This position used to be referred to as centric occlusion.

This is an important jaw position, as it defines both the anterior-posterior and lateral relationships of the mandible and the maxilla

Maxilla

The maxilla is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw. This is similar to the mandible , which is also a fusion of two halves at the mental symphysis. Sometimes The maxilla (plural: maxillae) is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper...

, as well as the superior-inferior relationship known as the vertical dimension of occlusion

Vertical dimension of occlusion

Vertical dimension of occlusion, or VDO, also known as occlusal vertical dimension is a term used in dentistry to indicate the superior-inferior relationship of the maxilla and the mandible when the teeth are situated in maximum intercuspation....

. These are important considerations when evaluating a patient orthodontically

Orthodontics

Orthodontics, orthodontia, or orthodonture is the first specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions , which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both...

, as well as restoring them prosthodontically

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics, also known as dental prosthetics or prosthetic dentistry, is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons...

.