For patients with complete dentures, which occlusal scheme is MOST appropriate during excursive movements?

Correct answer: D. Bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO)

• A. Group function is ideal for natural dentition (posterior group contact during lateral excursion) — not the standard for complete dentures.
• B. Lingualized occlusion is a variant used for complete dentures (maxillary anatomic teeth contact mandibular flat/non-anatomic teeth) — it is an acceptable scheme but BBO is more specifically described as ideal for excursive movements.
• C. Mutually protected (canine-guided) occlusion is ideal for the natural dentition — in complete dentures, there are no true proprioceptive canines, and BBO is preferred.
• D. Correct. Bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO) is the ideal occlusal scheme for complete dentures during excursive movements. In BBO, both working and balancing (non-working) side teeth contact simultaneously, distributing occlusal forces bilaterally and preventing denture displacement during function.