Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question

What do you see on the balancing (non-working) side during mandibular excursive movement?

  1. No contact of anterior teeth on the side away from which the mandible is moving
  2. Contact of anterior teeth on the side toward which the mandible is moving
  3. No contact of posterior teeth on the side away from which the mandible is moving
  4. Contact of posterior teeth on the side toward which the mandible is moving
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Correct answer: C. No contact of posterior teeth on the side away from which the mandible is moving

In a properly functioning natural dentition with canine guidance/mutually protected occlusion, the balancing (non-working) side — the side away from which the mandible is moving — should show NO contact of the posterior teeth during excursive movement (this is the principle of disclusion/disocclusion of the balancing side, which protects against damaging lateral forces). Options describing anterior or working-side contact patterns don't describe what should be seen specifically on the balancing side.

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