Denture Occlusion — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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HardProsthodonticsDenture OcclusionORE Part 1

A patient is to receive conventional upper and lower complete dentures. The mandibular residual ridge is markedly resorbed, so the posterior arrangement should maintain bilateral balance while minimising lateral destabilising forces on the mandibular denture. Which occlusal scheme is most appropriate?

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Correct answer: C — Lingualized bilaterally balanced occlusion

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as B · A = shown as C · C = shown as D · B = shown as E

**A. Lingualized bilaterally balanced occlusion** is most appropriate. In a severely resorbed mandibular ridge, denture stability is vulnerable to lateral forces. Lingualized occlusion retains bilateral balance but directs posterior contact through the maxillary lingual cusps, reducing lateral interferences and destabilising horizontal loading. A randomised trial specifically identifies this rationale for compromised ridges. Conventional bilateral balanced occlusion (B) is a valid complete-denture scheme, but is less specifically suited to the stated ridge problem. Canine guidance (C) and posterior group function (D) may be considered in selected complete-denture situations, but they do not provide the bilateral balancing contacts required by the stem. Monoplane occlusion (E) can be used in selected circumstances but lacks the anatomical, bilaterally balanced arrangement sought here and is less favoured for acceptance than balanced anatomical arrangements.

Reference: Kawai Y, Ikeguchi N, Suzuki A, et al. A double blind randomized clinical trial comparing lingualized and fully bilateral balanced posterior occlusion for conventional complete dentures. Journal of Prosthodontic Research. 2017;61(2):113-122. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23342330/