The developmental history of Complete denture and its occlusal principle

Abstract

In an edentulous situation, the dentist must make several determinations when constructing artificial teeth. These include vertical and horizontal relationships of mandible with respect to the maxilla, occlusal form and position, vertical dimension, occlusal relationships during both centric closure and eccentric excursive movements. Artificial teeth are attached to a movable base resting on movable and displaceable living tissue subject to damage. They act as a unit; therefore, they must be arranged to function as a unit. Bilateral balanced occlusion is that stability of the denture is attained when bilateral contacts ex ist throughout all dynamic and static states of the denture during function. Lateral excursion in a balanced scheme implies simultaneous working side and nonworking side contact, while occlusal contacts are maintained on both anterior and posterior teeth as the mandible moves anteriorly into protrusion.