Occlusal Considerations

Question 1

Optimal Functional Occlusion

baseline for evaluating patients occlusion: (4)

Answer 1

Teeth
TMJ
Musculature
EVALUATE THE ENTIRE MASTICATORY SYSTEM

Question 2

Occlusion for Direct Restorations

Goals (4)

Answer 2

Minimize trauma to supporting structures and teeth
Preserve/maintain remaining structures including the existing
occlusal scheme
Promote longevity of the restoration
Restore mastication to a reasonable level

Question 3

In most clinical situation: occlusal contacts on direct restorations
(amalgam alloy and composite resin restorations) are created to be

Answer 3

in

harmony with the existing occlusion (MIP & excursive movements)

Question 4

Occlusion (definition)

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Articulation (definition)

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Teeth relations in

OPTIMAL FUNCTIONAL OCCLUSION (2)

Answer 6

In stationary position

During excursive movements

Question 7

TheTEETH
(foroptimalfunctionalocclusion)
Stationary Position
Posterior Teeth: (2)

Answer 7

Multiple, even, bilateral, and simultaneous
occlusal contactswith the mandible in the
CR position, are the most desirable.
The posterior teeth are loaded mainly along the long axis of the tooth (axial loading).

Question 8

Axial Loading

Answer 8

Forces are directed over the long axes of teeth. Teeth and their periodontal
ligaments are best designed to absorb forces along the long axes.

Question 9

Failure to achieve axial loading: (3)

Answer 9

Forces could eventually cause 
cracks, fractures, and wear on 
the teeth. 
Trauma to supporting structure: 
periodontal ligament and 
surrounding bone
Possible trauma to the 
temporomandibular joints and 
TMD disorders

Question 10

The TEETH
(for optimal functional occlusion)
Stationary Position
Anterior Teeth:

Answer 10

Anterior teeth should have LIGHTER occlusal
contacts when the posterior teeth are in occlusion.
Since the anterior teeth are not loaded axially,
they are not able to withstand high loads.

Question 11

In Excursive Movements, optimal occlusal relationships are: (2)

Answer 11

Canine Guidance and

Anterior Guidance

Question 12

Right Lateral Movement

LATEROTRUSIVE SIDE

Answer 12

The canines on this side guide the
movement (teeth with long roots and away
from the fulcrum area)

Question 13

Right Lateral Movement

MEDIOTRUSIVE SIDE

Answer 13

No teeth should contact on this side (if they

did, they would have off-axis loading)

Question 14

If in excursive movements, canine guidance and anterior guidance
are not present, then — are present.

Answer 14

OCCLUSAL INTEFERENCES

Question 15

Occlusal Interference:

Answer 15

an unwanted (or premature) interocclusalcontact

Question 16

Interocclusal Contacts

Two Philosophies

Answer 16

Cusp-Fossa contacts

Cusp-Marginal Ridge contacts

Question 17

Each functional cusp occludes in a fossa

of the opposing tooth (2)

Answer 17

Tooth to tooth arrangement
Used when restoring both
opposing quadrants of teeth

Question 18

Each Functional cusp contacts the marginal ridges

of opposing pair of teeth or fossae of opposing teeth (3)

Answer 18

A one tooth to two teeth arrangement
The majority ofnatural dentitions have this type
Commonly used for single restorations

Question 19

The cusp-marginal ridge occlusal relationship allows for

Answer 19

some
cusps to occlude onto marginal ridges and some others to occlude
into fossae.

Question 20

The cusp-fossa relationship allows only for

Answer 20

each cusp to occlude

into one fossa.

Question 21

Four inclines are present on all cusps:

Answer 21

facial, lingual, mesial, and distal

Question 22

Distal
Cusp
Ridges (2)

Answer 22

Outer (buccal) slope of
buccal cusp (buccal
contour ridge)

Outer (lingual) slope of
lingual cusp (lingual
contour ridge)

Question 23

Mesial
Cusp
Ridges (2)

Answer 23

Inner (lingual) 
slope of buccal 
cusp (triangular 
ridge of buccal 
cusp)

Inner (buccal) 
slope of lingual 
cusp (triangular 
ridge of lingual 
cusp)

Question 24

Create a plateau, halfway up a cuspalincline, that is perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth, to serve as a cusp seat.
These areas are not in the “normal” location of cusp seats,

Answer 24

they will still create long axis forces on the teeth.

Question 25

Mark the occlusal contacts on the teeth using

Answer 25

articulating paper

Accu-Film II

Question 26

Use — — to evaluate occlusal contacts

Answer 26

shim stock

Question 27

Occlusal adjustments: (3)

Answer 27

small football-shaped carbide bur in a high-speed handpiece
lightly running the rotating bur over the tooth
remove only the center of the mark (bulls eye)

Question 28

Anterior Teeth

Protrusion (2)

Answer 28

Mandible moves forward

Anterior teeth guide the movement