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Canine-Guided Occlusion — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateDental Anatomy & OcclusionCanine-Guided OcclusionNDEB AFK

Canine guidance (canine-protected occlusion) in the natural dentition means which of the following?

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Correct answer: B — Only the canine teeth contact on the working side during lateral excursion, disoccluding all other teeth

In canine-guided occlusion (cuspid-protected occlusion), the maxillary and mandibular canines contact on the working side during lateral excursive movements, causing immediate disclusion of all posterior teeth on both working and non-working (balancing) sides. This is considered the ideal occlusal scheme for the natural dentition because the canine has the longest root, the best crown-to-root ratio, proprioceptive feedback, and can withstand lateral forces well.

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