Occlusion in Fixed Prosthodontics

The study of occlusion needs to take into consideration the close interrelationship between the articulation of the teeth and the periodontium muscles of mastication and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Occlusion is fundamental to the success of fixed prosthodontics. A failure to control the occlusion can lead to a number of complications including pain/discomfort tooth mobility tooth wear fractured teeth or restorations and TMJ dysfunction. The goal of any restorative treatment is to establish posterior occlusal contacts that stabilize the occlusion and to provide anterior guidance which will provide predictable amount of disocclusion during protrusive and lateral excursion.