This paper addresses the current concepts in orofacial pain and occlusion and queries their possible relationship to each other. English-language peer-reviewed articles were identified using Medline (1990-2003), as well as a hand search. The key words occlusion, orofacial pain , and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) were used. Additional references from citations within the articles were obtained, and current textbooks were used as well. The textbooks provided contemporary concept overviews and further additional references.