PATTERN OF OCCLUSAL CONTACTS IN LATERAL POSITIONS - CANINE PROTECTIONAND GROUP-FUNCTION VALIDITY IN CLASSIFYING GUIDANCE PATTERNS

Statement of problem. The concept of canine protection and group funct ion lack consistency in the definitions and examining methods, and a v alid system for evaluating and classifying occlusal contact patterns h as not been established.Purpose. This study assessed the use of canine protection and group function in classifying occlusal guidance in the natural dentition. Material and methods. Occlusal contacts of 86 youn g adults were examined with shim stock in regulated lateral positions, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm from the maximum intercuspation. The patterns of occlusal contacts varying with the lateral position were described. Re sults. Focusing on the working-side contact only, most contact pattern s belonged to group function, and a few to canine protection. Focusing on both the working and nonworking side contacts, nearly half the con tact patterns were those other than canine protection and group functi on and were classified into balanced occlusion. Conclusion. The validi ty of the classification system using canine protection and group func tion is questionable. A new classification system of occlusal guidance is desirable.