A Functional Aspect of Anterior Attrition or Flaring and Mode of Treatment

The phenomenon of occlusal wear has been generally reported, with no distinction being made between wear of the anterior or posterior teeth. This paper describes a group of patients without oral habits and exhibiting anterior tooth attrition or flaring with minimal posterior tooth attrition. The mandibular anterior movement patterns of the patients studied were evaluated using a Sirognathograph. These patterns appear to be the etiology for the anterior attrition or flaring present. A treatment mode allowing coexistence of this phenomenon with an anterior guidance that does not interfere with the mastication pattern is proposed. A hypothesis that might explain the clinical findings and a mode of treatment are described.