Occlusion for prosthodontics
Record existing contacts and functional movements. Changes to vertical dimension or guidance need a clear indication and review plan.
Understand
Occlusion describes static contacts and movement; it is not a single ideal pattern for everyone. Prostheses must function within the patient's adaptive capacity.
Assess
Record existing contacts, guidance, wear, parafunction and symptoms before changing them. Check the proposed vertical dimension and interocclusal space.
Apply
Use reversible trials for significant change and adjust high contacts at fit. Do not attribute all facial pain to occlusion or perform irreversible treatment without evidence.
Key distinctions
A change in vertical dimension should solve a defined restorative or functional problem, not merely follow from a worn appearance. The patient may adapt to substantial wear. Occlusal analysis includes centric contacts, excursions, parafunction and the planned prosthetic material. Reversible trials are especially useful when the proposed change is large or symptom attribution is uncertain.
Think through a case
A patient has new jaw discomfort after a denture fit with premature contact. Check the occlusion and denture stability before attributing symptoms to a new TMD.
The distinction to remember
Do not permanently alter several natural teeth to compensate for a prosthesis that was designed or fitted incorrectly.
Test your recall
Why check occlusion at fit and review?
Show answer
Interferences may cause symptoms or restoration failure.