Occlusion Basic Concepts
Question 1. Write a short answer on functional occlusion.
Answer. Functional occlusion is also known as working side occlusion.
It is defined as an arrangement of teeth, which will provide the highest efficiency during all the excursive movements of the mandible, which are necessary during function.
Functional occlusion also refers to the tooth contacts that occur in the segment of the arch towards which the mandible moves.
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Types of Functional Occlusion
It is of two types i.e.
- Lateral functional occlusion
- Protrusive functional occlusion
Lateral Functional Occlusion
- It consists of tooth contacts that occur on the canines and the posterior teeth over the side towards which the mandible moves.
- Lateral functional occlusion is of two types i.e. canine guided occlusion or grouped lateral occlusion
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- Canine-guided occlusion: At the time of lateral mandibular movement, the opposing maxillary and the mandibular canines of working side contact thereby leading to the disclusion of all the posterior teeth overworking and the balancing sides. This occlusion is seen in young individuals with unworn dentition. In canine-guided occlusion, the usp tip of the mandibular canine tracks from the centric contact point at the mesial marginal ridge towards the maxillary canine cusp tip.
- Grouped lateral occlusion: In addition to the canine guidance, various other posterior teeth over the working side also contact during the lateral movement, this contact during lateral movement is known as grouped lateral occlusion.
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Protrusive Functional Occlusion
- It consists of eccentric contacts which occur when the mandible moves forward.
- Ideally, six of the lower anterior teeth contact along the lingual inclines of maxillary anterior teeth while the posterior teeth disocclude.
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