What Is Balanced Occlusion?

What Is Balanced Occlusion?

Balanced Occlusion Bilaterally balanced occlusion is based on the work of Von Spee during 1890 and Monson around 1921. This is a prosthodontic concept which dictates that a maximum number of teeth should contact in all excursive positions of the mandible on the working and also on the nonworking side. In only 16% of the population is there bilaterally balanced occlusion. This is particularly useful in complete denture construction in which contact on the nonworking side is important to prevent tipping (Turning Over) of the denture.

The concept of bilaterally balanced occlusion should not be applied to natural dentition or in complete occlusal rehabilitation. Occlusal contacts on the nonworking side in the natural dentition are actually occlusal interferences so therefore they are undesirable occlusal contacts. They may produce excessive frictional wear of the teeth and subject them to excessive occlusal forces hence they are of a particularly destructive nature.

Unilateral Balanced Occlusion as a Group Function What about unilateral balanced occlusion as a group function? This concept had its origin in the work of Schuyler mid 1953. In a unilateral balanced occlusion, all posterior teeth on the working (Laterotrusive) side are in contact during a lateral excursion (Movement) of the mandible. On the mediotrusive (non-working) side, no contact occurs until the mandible has reached centric relation. Thus, in this occlusal arrangement the load is distributed among the periodontal support of all posterior teeth on the working side. The absence of contact on the nonworking side prevents those teeth from being subjected to the destructive forces found in non-working interferences and to excessive wear. The obvious advantage is the maintenance of the occlusion.

Conclusion In conclusion, Bilaterally balanced occlusion is only considered and desirable during the making of full dentures as it allows the dentures to be more stable when the patient is chewing or swallowing.