Direction?
Front-to-back relationship of dental arches.
← All explanationsDistal occlusion (Class II relationship)
What does a distal bite relationship mean?
Distal occlusion describes a posterior dental relationship in which the lower arch lies further back relative to the upper arch than in a neutral relationship. Tooth positions and bony jaw relationships may contribute differently. Increased overjet can occur but is not the definition.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
Assess posterior contacts
Classification concerns the relationship of the upper and lower posterior teeth. Looking only at the front teeth in a mirror is insufficient.
Separate teeth and jaw bases
A distal dental relationship does not automatically mean that the lower jaw alone is too small or too far back. Several factors may contribute.
Consider the whole finding
Growth, tooth inclination, overlap and function are assessed together. They determine whether and how orthodontic treatment is appropriate.
At a glance
Only overjet?
No.
Assessment?
Distinguish tooth positions and jaw bases.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Assess posterior contacts
Classification concerns the relationship of the upper and lower posterior teeth. Looking only at the front teeth in a mirror is insufficient.
Separate teeth and jaw bases
A distal dental relationship does not automatically mean that the lower jaw alone is too small or too far back. Several factors may contribute.
Consider the whole finding
Growth, tooth inclination, overlap and function are assessed together. They determine whether and how orthodontic treatment is appropriate.
Often confused
Class II division 1 and division 2
Both involve distal posterior relationships. Their characteristic upper-incisor appearances and inclinations differ; individual patterns vary.
Quick answers
Is it the same as increased overjet?
No. Overjet measures horizontal incisor distance; distal occlusion describes the sagittal posterior dental relationship.
Is the lower jaw always too small?
No. Dental and skeletal relationships require separate assessment.
Are elastics or surgery always needed?
No. Treatment and appliances follow individual findings, not the label alone.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which parts of my finding concern the teeth and which concern the jaw bases?
Questions about bite relationships can be assessed through the tooth contacts and specialist orthodontic input where appropriate.
Discuss the bite relationshipAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Distal
- Away from the dental midline; in this bite context, further back.
- Sagittal
- Relating to the front-to-back direction.
- Angle classification
- Description of dental relationships, particularly those of the first permanent molars.
Make the distinction
Both involve distal posterior relationships. Their characteristic upper-incisor appearances and inclinations differ; individual patterns vary.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.