Artificial tooth selection and occlusion in complete dentures

Abstract

It is important to select artificial teeth and arrange them in a proper way especially when patients have severe alveolar ridge resorption or abnormal intermaxillary relation. The purpose of this study is to suggest the criteria for decision making in several clinical cases regarding the type of artificial teeth and concept of occlusion. Several types of artificial teeth are nowadays available. Anatomic tooth, which mimics the cusps and grooves of the nature tooth, is widely used in most cases. But in cases of severe alveolar bone loss or in cases where it is difficult to induce centric occlusion, artificial tooth with nonanatomic and semianatomic cusps could be a better choice. The occlusion scheme is also determined regarding whether to arrange teeth in lingual occlusion or crossbite considering the intermaxillary relation and severity of alveolar ridge resorption.