What occlusal scheme is indicated for a maxillary complete denture opposing a mandibular removable partial denture?

Correct answer: D. Bilateral balanced occlusion

• A. Canine guidance deliberately DISCLUDES the posterior teeth in excursion. On a complete denture that unloads one side entirely and the base lifts.
• B. Mutually protected occlusion depends on periodontally supported natural teeth to protect one another. A complete denture has no such support.
• C. Group function distributes load across the working side but leaves the balancing side free, which again destabilises the complete denture.
• D. CORRECT. BILATERAL BALANCED OCCLUSION — simultaneous contact on both working and balancing sides throughout excursions — is required whenever a COMPLETE denture is involved. The complete denture is a free-floating prosthesis retained by a border seal, and unilateral contact tips it off the ridge. Balanced contact keeps the base seated.

Note: The governing rule: the presence of a COMPLETE denture in either arch dictates balanced occlusion, regardless of what opposes it. Where both arches are dentate or partially dentate with adequate support, canine guidance or group function is preferred. Balanced occlusion is a prosthetic necessity, not a physiological ideal.