Abstract
Occlusion still remains a contentious issue, with the presence of occlusal interferences during mandibular movements being postulated to be detrimental to the health of the masticatory system. Orthodontic treatment plans are generally aimed at achieving an ideal static occlusion with the assumption that an ideal functional occlusion will follow. The following is an overview of both static and functional occlusion and its relevance to orthodontics, the evidence behind both types of occlusion, whether the attainment of an ideal occlusion is achievable clinically and the possible negative consequences of a non-ideal occlusion.