Occlusal Interference

Done by :
Dr. Ala’a Abdulrahman Badri

Supervisor:
Dr. Mohsen Al-Hamzi
Occlusal Interference References:
1-Fundamentals of fixed prosthodontics.
2-Functional occlusion from TMG to smile design.
3-Occlusion (Hamish Thomson).
4-Occlusion made easy.
 occlusal interference
Defination:
is a traumatic occlusal contact or an obstacle on a physiological
mandibular trajectory during excursive movement.

an occlusal interference is any tooth contact that inhibits the remaining

occluding surfaces from achieving stable and harmonious contacts.
(The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms. J Prosthet Dent 2005(

There are four types of occlusal interferences:

1. Centric.
2. Working.
3. Nonworking.
4. Protrusive.
 centric interference
is a premature contact that occurs when the mandible closes with the
condyles in their optimum position in the glenoid fossae.
 A working interference
occur when there is contact between the maxillary and mandibular
posterior teeth on the same side of the arches as the direction in
which the mandible has moved.
 A nonworking interference
is an occlusal contact between maxillary and mandibular teeth on the
side of the arches opposite the direction in which the mandible has
moved in a lateral excursion.
 A protrusive interference
is a premature contact occurring between the mesial aspects of
mandibular posterior teeth and the distal aspects of maxillary posterior
teeth.
 Cusp interference
Defination :
is a contact between a cusp and an opposing tooth which interferes with the
established closing or chewing movement.

causes of cusp interference:

1-teeth in the process of being repositioned.(following the loss of an adjacent
tooth).

2-teeth which have become loosened by loss of periodontal support.

3-teeth incorrectly restored (supra-contact).

4-Teeth which have been moved by parafunctional Habit.

5-teeth incorrectly placed in a bridge or denture.

 During mastication cusp interferences may
occur:
1-On the working side as the mandible moves into IP.

2-On the balancing side when the mandible

may tilt in the coronal plane and cause an unfavourable muscle response.

3. During protrusive closure between opposing incisors.

4. On habitual direct closure to IP, particularly when swallowing, when the

mandible will be deflected or the affected teeth will move.

5. On retruded arc closure when the mandible will be deflected either forwards
or laterally depending on whether the interference is uni- or bilateral.
 During mastication cusp interferences may
occur:
Notes :
If the deflexion is laterally an unfavourable muscle response may result,
cusp interference during mastication results in fleeting Deflective
contacts and adaptation prevails.
 During parafunction cusp interferences
may occur :
1-On the working or balancing sides as the mandible is forced to glide
from one side to the other and the effects are likely to be more harmful to
the teeth or muscles.

2. On the anterior segment as the mandible is forced to glide backwards

and forwards.

Notes:
*parafunctional habits are common in children , particularly during sleep.
*During parafunction the interference is more persistent and forceful and,
as a result, more potentially harmful.
 Anterior unfunctional guidance:
posterior interferences
A posterior contact during a horizontal movement (protrusion or
lateralization)is called "interference" when there is no simultaneous
occlusal contact in the anterior sector.
 Anterior dysfunctional guidance: anterior
interferences
An anterior interference (in protrusion or diduction) is characterized
by linear frictions located on the buccal surfaces of the incisors or the
mandibular canines.
 Occlusal interference
A flattened morphology reduces the masticator efficiency of the occlusal
surfaces and consequently increases the number of necessary chewing
strokes for the preparation of the food bolus Too steep cuspal slopes
increase the risks of occlusal interference which may generate Fractures.
 Transverse occlusal relationships
Inverted occlusion:
Cusp/fossa occlusal relationship inverts the supporting cusps and
the guiding cusps. Even if the situation is stable and the stability
preserved, there is a risk of posterior interference.
first place to look is at the posterior teeth where deflective incline
interferences to centric relation are so often the cause of a forward
slide of the mandible during closure to maximum intercuspation.
The second most common cause for this type of wear is direct
interference of the anterior teeth to complete closure in centric relation.
 Splayed teeth
Splaying of teeth: is a common sign of occlusal disease that should be
diagnosed and treated early by eliminating the deflective interferences
that force the mandible forward.
Anterior guidance attrition:
This occurs when anterior teeth that either interfere with centric
relation closure or interfere with functional jaw movement patterns
(envelope of function) develop early signs of attritional wear of the
lingual enamel on upper anterior teeth.
Sore teeth
If empty mouth clenching causes any discomfort in a tooth, it is an
indication that the sore tooth is an occlusal interference.
it is a definite indication that occlusal interference is a factor.
Split teeth and fractured cusps
A, Note the fracture lines that routinely develop when a cusp incline
interferes with strong occlusal forces (arrows).
This is a typical sign of occlusal disease that precedes cusp fracture or
split tooth.
 Muscle Response to Occlusal
Interference
Occluso-muscle disorder:
Discomfort or dysfunction resulting from Hyperactive , incoordinated
muscle function that is triggered by deflective occlusal interferences
to physiologic jaw movements and noxious habits.
such as a high Restoration.
 Muscle Response to Occlusal
Interference
Tenderness to palpation almost always indicates some degree of occlusal
interference that requires displacement of the same side condyle to
achieve maximum intercuspation.
 Muscle Response to Occlusal Interference
Hyoid area.
The digastric and the hyoid muscles are often involved when
deflective occlusal interferences cause the mandible to be postured
forward to avoid the interferences.
 Muscle Response to Occlusal Interference

Occipital area.
Occipital headaches are commonly associated with occlusal
Interference. If tender, look for occlusal interferences to centric relation
or excursions.
 Restorations must be in harmony with
the envelope of function.
STABlE

Results in:
The best esthetics.
Comfort.
Patient satisfaction.
Incisal edges too far back.
Interferes with the envelope of function.

UNSTABLE

May result in:

fremitus.
excessive wear on the labio –incisal contours of lower incisors or the
lingual contours of upper incisors.
tooth movement.
fracture of anterior laminate Restorations.
Incisal edges too far forward.
Interferes with the lip closure path and neutral zone.

UNSTABLE

May result in:

phonetic problems or feeling that teeth are too long or too thick.
Thank You
Any Questions?