The influence of the mandibular lateral translation.

There has been much controversy concerning the existence and importance of mandibular lateral translation. However, more sophisticated techniques of registration and evaluation have addressed many of these questions, and there has recently been less discussion of the topic. This report addresses the specific relationship of cuspal contacts in centric occlusion and introduces a modification in typical occlusal morphology to avoid interferences caused by the lateral translation. A specific position of the centric contacting cusps to avoid such interferences is suggested. A spatial registration of the cuspal pathways, using variable posterior and anterior guidances, is said to offer more precise cuspal placement.