Dynamic occlusions in natural permanent dentition

Objectives: The problem of occlusion pattern for prosthetic or orthodontic rehabilitation continues to be discussed in the literature. This controversial dilemma may be solved by studying the prevalence of dynamic occlusions in natural permanent dentition. The aim of this study was to assess which schemas of dynamic occlusion are typical of natural dentition in young and older subjects and to determine if any dynamic occlusions are dependent on gender or age. Method and Materials: A total of 834 subjects with natural dentition and no prosthetic replacements were included in the study. The age of the subjects ranged from 20 to 63 years. Dynamic occlusions in all subjects were identified during clinical examination of lateral and protrusive tooth-guided excursions of the mandible. Results: The following dynamic occlusions were found: bilateral and unilateral canine-protected occlusion, group function occlusion, balanced occlusion, and "other occlusions." Occurrences of particular forms of dynamic occlusion were almost the same in men and women; however, some of the occlusions were dependent on age. The frequencies of bilateral and unilateral canine-protected occlusions decreased with age, while the frequency of group function occlusion increased. The frequencies of balanced occlusion and "other occlusions" were very low and remained nearly unchanged in relation to age. Conclusion: Bilateral canine-protected and group function occlusions were the most typical occlusions for younger patients, while group function occlusion was more common for older patients. The canine-protected occlusion seems to be the most suitable pattern for orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation planned in younger patients, while the group function occlusion may be a good pattern for prosthetic rehabilitation in older patients. Further studies are needed to determine the relationship of the occlusal schemas to periodontitis, bruxism, or temporomandibular disorders. Keywords: balanced occlusion, canine-protected occlusion, group function occlusion, orthodontics, prevalence, prosthetics