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Freedom in Centric — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardDental Anatomy & OcclusionFreedom in CentricNDEB AFK

The concept of 'freedom in centric' in occlusion refers to which of the following?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — There is a small area of flat contact allowing slight anterior-posterior movement from centric relation to centric occlusion

Freedom in centric (long centric) describes a prosthetic concept where a flat area (approximately 0.5-1 mm) is created on the occlusal surface, allowing the mandible to move slightly from centric relation (CR) to maximum intercuspation (CO/MI) without deflective contacts. This accommodates the normal physiological discrepancy between CR and CO and reduces the risk of posterior tooth deflective contacts.

Reference: Okeson – Management of Temporomandibular Disorders, 8th ed., 2019