JULY 2020

OCCLUSION
THE
IMPORTANCE
OF OCCLUSION
Occlusion is one of the most critical
elements of dentistry for a dental laboratory
technician to master. Malocclusion can cause
harm to the patient’s oral health as well as to
the restorations that the laboratory fabricates.
Furthermore, many dentists seek expertise
from laboratories on this subject in the interest
of optimal collaboration.
In the pages that follow, Inside Dental
Technology offers resources for readers to
improve their knowledge of occlusion and
increase their value to clinicians.

Occlusion
ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL
CHARACTERISTICS OF TEETH
BALANCING AND WORKING CUSPS WORK
TOGETHER OR OCCLUSAL STABILITY
by Gabriele Amos Mainetti
Owner, Teeth and Texture Mainetti
Morbegno, Italy

Abstract
The correct fabrication of a tooth must combine esthetics, shape, and function.
Dental morphology cannot be determined without analyzing the function of
teeth because the anatomical characteristics of each tooth are closely linked to
function, such as with the cusps of molars and the edges of incisors. The aim of
this study is to investigate and understand the shape of teeth, including their
anatomical and functional characteristics, with a special focus on the relationship
between balancing and working cusps and occlusal stability.

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Learning Objectives
• Identify the anatomical and functional
characteristics of teeth
• Recognize the relationship between balancing
and working cusps and occlusal stability
NEED CE CREDIT?
• List the anatomical aspects needed to recreate
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the occlusal table and restore stable occlusion

Occlusion
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF
OCCLUSION AND JAW FUNCTION
KEY REFERENCE POINTS FOR RESTORING PATIENTS TO PROPER FUNCTION,
HEALTH, ESTHETICS, AND STABILITY
Edwin A. McDonald III, DDS
Private Practice
Plano, Texas

Abstract
Occlusion is integral to and inseparable from comprehensive treatment planning. In cases
where teeth have suffered extensive damage resulting in significant dentoalveolar compen-
sation, the typical reference points are lost. To restore patients to proper function, health,
esthetics, and stability, clinicians need a way to properly reestablish those reference points,
and facially generated treatment planning provides a framework to do just that. In this arti-
cle, the author will reference the concepts of facially generated treatment planning as de-
veloped and taught by Frank Spear, DDS, MSD, as well as Dr. L. D. Pankey's way of thinking
about the role of occlusion in both complex rehabilitations and everyday dental treatment.

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Learning Objectives
• Identify the muscles and joints that make
up the anatomy of jaw function
• List Pankey’s three rules for occlusion
NEED CE CREDIT?
• Describe the steps of a functional examination,
and discuss why each one builds on the
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previous step

Occlusion
MECHANICAL PRINCIPLES APPLIED TO
REMOVABLE PROSTHETIC OCCLUSION
SIGNIFICANT BONE LOSS REQUIRES SPECIAL CARE WHEN
DESIGNING REMOVABLE PROSTHETICS
Burney M. Croll, DMD
Private Practice
New York, NY

Abstract
In removable prosthetics, each case and each patient’s situation require particular at-
tention to be paid to specific factors when designing occlusal schemes. One of the
most important considerations is the relative stability of the opposing dental ridge, as
actions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing can affect the success of the pros-
thetic. Several mechanical principles must be considered in this process.

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Learning Objectives
• Discuss the importance of atmospheric pressure
and peripheral seal with regard to removable
prosthetics
• Explain the concept of relative stability and
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its importance to occlusal schemes TAKE THE QUIZ!
• Describe the forces applied to removable
prosthetics, such as chewing

Occlusion