Occlusion in Fixed Partial Denture

Occlusion is defined as the act or process of closure or of being closed or shut off or the static relationship between the incising or masticating surfaces of the maxillary or mandibular teeth or tooth analogues (GPT-8).Canine protected occlusion suggests that the only tooth contact in all positions of the mandible except Centric Relation should be between maxillary cuspids and mandibular cuspids. Canine guided occlusion advantages that proprioceptors of the periodontal ligament associated with the canine teeth are far more responsive than those of any other teeth. Another advantage is it appears that fewer muscles are active when canines contact during eccentric movements than when posterior teeth contact. Occlusal trauma to the canine teeth is thus prevented by the reduced muscular tension and magnitude of the applied force. Therefore canines are appropriate teeth to contact and dissipate the horizontal forces while disoccluding the posterior teeth.