Occlusion

Question 1

What is the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD)?

Answer 1

The distance between 2 selected anatomic or marked points when in maximal intercuspal position

Question 2

What is the physiologic rest position?

Answer 2

The postural position of the mandible when an individual is resting comfortably in an upright position and the associated muscles are in a state of minimal contractual activity

Question 3

What is the interocclusal space (free-way space)?

Answer 3

The distance between the Rest Vertical Dimension and the Occlusal Vertical Dimension

Question 4

What is the purpose of a facebow?

Answer 4

• Orients the maxilla to the rotational axis in three planes
• Using a face-bow will result in the path of opening on the articulator being the same as the mandible has with the TMJ

Question 5

What is centric relation?

Answer 5

The position of the mandible in which the condyles are in the most superior and anterior position in the articular fossae, resting against the posterior slopes of the articular eminences with the articular discs interposed.

Question 6

Why do you use centric relation for edentulous patients?

Answer 6

• can be verified and is repeatable
• jaw position is independent of teeth position

Question 7

What is the plane of occlusion?

Answer 7

The average plane established by the incisal and occlusal surfaces of the teeth

Question 8

What is the definition of occlusion?

Answer 8

The static relationship between the incising and masticating surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular teeth or tooth analogues

Question 9

What is the definition of articulation?

Answer 9

The static and dynamic contact relationship between occlusal surfaces of teeth during function.

Question 10

What are the five goals of occlusion for removable complete prosthodontics?

Answer 10

• Minimize trauma to supporting structures
• Preserve/maintain remaining structures
• Promote stability of the dentures
• Improve speech and esthetics
• Restore mastication to a reasonable level

Question 11

What are the three types of occlusion for removable complete prosthodontics?

Answer 11

1. monoplane/neutrocentric
2. lingualized
3. balanced

Question 12

What is monoplane occlusion?

Answer 12

an occlusal arrangement where the posterior teeth have masticatory surfaces that lack any cuspal height

Question 13

What are the characteristics of monoplane occlusion?

Answer 13

• posterior teeth do NOT have cusps
• teeth are arranged on a flat occlusal plane
• occlusal plane is parallel to the mandibular ridges
• no vertical overlap of anterior teeth

Question 14

What are the advantages of monoplane occlusion?

Answer 14

• Occlusal forces are centralized over the ridges and lack of cuspal inclines results in a more forgiving occlusal scheme
• more freedom in mandibular movements
• Simpler technique in arranging prosthetic teeth and making occlusal adjustments

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of monoplane occlusion?

Answer 15

• Severely resorbed ridges
• Skeletal class II, III jaw relations and crossbites
• Least esthetic scheme and limiting on the arrangement of anterior teeth
• Difficulty in food penetration
• Instability of prostheses in excursive movements

Question 16

What is lingualized occlusion?

Answer 16

Lingual cusps of maxillary posterior teeth are occluding with central fossae areas of mandibular posterior teeth (bilaterally)

Question 17

What are the characteristics of lingualized occlusion?

Answer 17

• Cuspless mandibular posterior teeth arranged on a flat plane
• Only maxillary lingual cusps are in occlusion with central fossae areas of mand posterior teeth

Question 18

What is balanced occlusion?

Answer 18

Bilateral simultaneous occlusal contacts of the anterior and posterior teeth in excursive movements

Question 19

What are five factors that affect balanced occlusion?

Answer 19

• Condylar Inclination
• Incisal Guidance
• Occlusal Plane Inclination
• Compensating Curve
• Cuspal Inclination

Question 20

What will decreasing the anterior guidance angle do to balanced occlusion?

Answer 20

facilitate establishing a balanced occlusion

Question 21

What will decrease the anterior guidance angle and what will increase it.

Answer 21

increase HO = decrease anterior guidance angle
increase VO = increase anterior guidance angle

Question 22

Is “balance” necessary?

Answer 22

not really

Consensus of the studies:
* No patient preference
* No study could prove that Balanced Occlusion is superior to other Occlusal Schemes
* Balanced Occlusion appears slightly more efficient in mastication