Clinical issues in occlusion – Part II

Occlusal diagnosis plays an important role in the planning and subsequent delivery of predictable functional and aesthetic restorations and prostheses. Once an occlusal problem is identified there are a number of techniques and materials that can be utilised to record occlusal relationships, subsequently analyse them and incorporate information obtained into the delivery of tooth restoration or replacement. This paper discusses the clinical and technical aspects of occlusal examination and analysis outlining contemporary and traditional techniques in their utilisation. Aspects of occlusal examination will be revisited; the identification and recording of centric occlusion as well as subsequent articulation will be discussed. The requirement for occlusal splint provision will also be discussed and illustrated.