During the movement from protrusion back to maximum intercuspation (MIP), what type of occlusal contact relationship is established?

Correct answer: C. Cusp tip to fossa (tripod contact)

• A. Cusp-to-cusp (edge-to-edge) contact occurs during the protrusive movement itself as the incisal edges meet — not at the terminal position of MIP.
• B. Buccal-to-buccal cusp contact is the working side contact during lateral excursion in a group-function occlusion — not the protrusion-to-MIP return contact.
• C. CORRECT. As the mandible returns from protrusion to maximum intercuspation, the posterior teeth establish their cusp-to-fossa relationship — specifically the lingual cusps of upper molars seat into the central fossae of lower molars (and vice versa), creating stable tripod contacts in MIP. This is the definition of maximum intercuspation in a normal Class I occlusion.
• D. Posterior open bite means the posterior teeth do not contact in MIP — this is a malocclusion, not the relationship that occurs during normal return from protrusion.