Centric and eccentric occlusions

Abstract

The problems of occlusion extend into nearly all branches of dentistry. While the principles involved are the same, their application should be different according to the situation. The dentist should not fall into the error of trying to make the same application in all situations. The examples of orthodontics and prosthodontics show the need for recognizing the similarities and the differences in applying the same principles to different situations. Such recognition should bring about more realistic teaching in the dental schools and more rational procedures in dental practice. The occlusion for complete dentures should be balanced “at and near” centric jaw relation for protection of the ridges when there is no interposed food. With cusp teeth, this balanced occlusion “at and near” centric relation is obtainable with a rotary grinder. With flat plane teeth, this mechanism is not needed. The occlusion should be balanced at habitual lateral relations used in chewing as well as sometimes in the protrusive position. Using only the lower second and the upper first molars for establishing lateral and protrusive balancing contacts solves the problem of maintaining balanced occlusion in eccentric positions. At the same time, this method permits the independent arrangement of the other teeth for better direction of the closing force during chewing.