What term refers to the alignment of teeth?

The term that refers to the alignment of teeth is "occlusion." This term specifically describes the way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed. Proper occlusion is essential for effective chewing and can impact overall dental health, influencing wear patterns on teeth and affecting jaw function.

In the context of dental terminology, alignment refers more broadly to how teeth are arranged, which is not specific enough to denote their functional relationship or contact with each other. Malocclusion, on the other hand, refers to a misalignment or incorrect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed, which is the result of improper occlusion. Orthodontics encompasses the field of dentistry that addresses the correction of occlusion issues, primarily through the use of braces and other dental devices, but it does not define the term for the direct consequence of teeth alignment itself.