Occlusion- A Down-to-Earth Practical Course

Concepts of occlusion In the early 20th century were based primarily on rehabilitation of totally edentulous patients with complete dentures. This mechanical approach to occlusion gradually evolved to become the biomechanical approach used today for restoring natural dentition with fixed prosthodontics. Further refinement of our occlusal concepts became necessary with the introduction of implant-supported prosthodontics.
A comprehensive review of principles of occlusion for fixed, removable and implant prosthodontics will be presented. Procedures for complete-mouth rehabilitation with fixed prosthodontics will also be described and illustrated step-by-step. We will conclude with a discussion of the relationship between occlusion and temporomandibular disorders.

At the completion of this course, you will be:

• Familiar with results of studies relative to occlusal function and chewing patterns of natural dentition.
• Able to describe biomechanical principles of restoring an occlusion with fixed prostheses.
• Able to describe differences between complete denture occlusion and natural occlusion, along with mechanical principles of developing a functional occlusion for complete dentures.
• Able to describe unique biomechanical features of implant-supported occlusion, along with methods of developing a functional implant-supported occlusal scheme.
• Able to define centric relation and describe how and when this jaw relationship is used in occlusal treatment.
• Familiar with basic concepts related to dental articulators.
• Able to describe procedures used to completely restore a debilitated dentition with fixed  prosthodontics.
• Able to relate the role of occlusion to TMD.
• Familiar with treatment approaches for patients with signs and symptoms of TMD.