Which occlusal scheme is generally indicated for a patient with complete maxillary and mandibular dentures?

Correct answer: A. Bilateral balanced occlusion with simultaneous working, balancing, and anterior contacts in excursions

• A. CORRECT. Complete dentures are retained by a physical seal that is broken by tipping forces. BILATERAL BALANCED occlusion maintains simultaneous bilateral contacts in centric and in all excursive positions, distributing forces and preventing the denture from tipping and losing its seal. Note the specific requirement of ANTERIOR contacts in protrusion (balancing ramps) — otherwise the maxillary denture drops posteriorly during incising.
• B. Canine guidance disoccludes the posterior teeth in excursion, which unseats a complete denture — it is appropriate for natural dentition, not CDs.
• C. Balanced occlusion by definition requires contacts to be maintained during protrusion; eliminating anterior contact defeats the purpose.
• D. Group function is a natural-dentition scheme and is likewise unbalanced across the arch.

Note: Balanced occlusion is a denture concept, born of retention needs — never apply it to a natural dentition.