Functional occlusal patterns during lateral excursions in young adults.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A valid system for assessing and classifying functional occlusion has not been established. The prevalence of anterior protected articulation is not known.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to quantify the prevalence of various functional occlusal contact patterns, including anterior protected articulation, among dental students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Occlusal contacts were examined during lateral excursions from the maximal intercuspal position to the canine-to-canine position in 100 young adults. A combination of 3 common clinical methods was used: a visual examination, articulating paper, and feedback from the participants.

RESULTS

Data from 3 classification systems were analyzed: (1) Occlusal contacts on the working side only – canine protected articulation was present in 25% of laterotrusions; anterior protected articulation was present in 18.5% of laterotrusions. Group function was present in 56% of laterotrusions. Other schemes were present in 0.5% of laterotrusions. (2) Contacts on both the working and the nonworking side. (3) Contacts on the working and nonworking side during both right and left laterotrusion. Nonworking side contacts were present in 33% of the participants. Nonworking side interference was present in 1 participant.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of anterior protected articulation found in this study was high enough to allow anterior protected articulation to be considered one of the fundamental working side occlusal contact patterns. More studies will be necessary to confirm this finding.