Orthodontic considerations of functional occlusion in Class І normal occlusion

Abstract

Background: The therapeutic goal of orthodontic treatment is to establish ideal occlusion which includes both staticand functional aspects. The objective of this study was to clarify functional occlusal treatment goals by analyzingfunctional occlusion in subjects with established normal occlusion and identify the differences between canineprotected occlusion and group function occlusion.Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 62 subjects with normal occlusion and with an age range of (18-25years).Functional occlusal contacts during lateral excursion were identified on a fully adjustable articulator, and thenthe samples were classified according to:1) Type of functional occlusion:A) Canine protected occlusion group (canine protected occlusion on both working sides).B) Group function occlusion group (group function occlusion on both working sides).C) Mixed functional occlusion group (canine protected occlusion on one side and group function occlusion on theother side.)2) Working side contact into: Canine protected occlusion (62 sides) and group function occlusion (62 sides). Thendifferent variables were analyzed.Results: Results revealed that vertical canine overlap, position of maxillary canine and 1st molar mesiobuccal cusp tipto the center of opposing embrasure/groove, and arch form analysis had significant difference between groups.Adding to that, some of the maxillary and mandibular teeth were significantly differed between groups in regard tocrown angulation and inclination.Conclusions: It was concluded that the vertical canine overlap, position of maxillary canine and 1st molarmesiobuccal cusp tip to the center of the opposing embrasure/groove, arch form harmony were importantfunctional aspects of orthodontic treatment goals