Laboratory
Occlusal schemes
Balanced occlusions (denture occlusions)
Balanced occlusions are used primarily in denture fabrication. They emphasize stability of the dentures in both centric and laterotrusive movements. This is accomplished by ensuring even, uniform posterior contacts bilaterally during centrix and eccentris positions.
Anatomic occlusion
A balanced occlusion using teeth with cuspal inclination, set in a manner that allows bilateral even contacts in centric and eccentric motions.
Monoplane occlusion (with compensating curve or posterior bite ramp)
A balanced occlusion characterized and simplified by using teeth with no cuspal inclination.
Lingualized occlusion
Maxillary lingual cusps are in contact with the mandibular occlusal table in centric and eccentric positions. Think of anatomic occlusion with the maxillary teeth tipped to simplofy by halving the number of cusps that could be in contact.
Buccalized occlusion
Mandibular lingual cusps are in contact with the maxillary occlusal table in centric and eccentric positions. This is not used frequently, but exists more an an academic reality as the opposite of lingualized occlusion.
Non-balanced occlusions (anterior protected occlusions)
In a non-balanced occlusion, as side to side motions are made, there is not an equal balancing force on the opposite site. Non-balanced occlusions are generally discussed in the contect of natural tooth or implant-fixed cases. They are almost never appropriate on a removable denture, as the lack of balance would cause the denture to dislodge, and perform the dreaded the denture dance.
Canine guidance
In canine guidance, the canines alone will engage and disclude the anterior and posterior teeth on side-to-side motions. There is no contact of any posterior teeth or any other anterior teeth on laterotrusion.
Group function
In Group function, some combination of the canines and premolars will engage and disclude the anterior and poterior teeth on side-to-side motions.
Monoplane (withOUT compensating curve or posterior bite ramp)
This occlusion is never ideal for a denture setup. It may be appropriate for a large, rehabilitative, fixed case, whether on implants or natural teeth, often in high function or class 3 jaw relationship situations.
References & recommended resources
- Complete Denture Occlusion: Best Evidence Consensus Statuement. JPD. 2021.