Dental Information Center

Denture Occlusion

The design of the individual back teeth and how they come together during normal function is called the occlusion.

For full dentures, where the denture wearer has no natural teeth, stability has always been a major obstacle. The upper denture generally has no problem, since the upper denture stays in place due to the suction of the palette. But the lower denture is a different matter. The lower mouth consists primarily of mobile tissue, and during normal function as the wearer speaks and chews, the glands and muscles move and the lower denture is easily dislodged. How a full denture functions and the stability of the lower denture varies greatly depending on many factors; such as the type of occlusion used, the quality of the materials, and the ability and experience of the dentist and technician doing the work.

Most denture wearers are not given a choice when determining the posterior tooth design and occlusion that their denture will have. But, you do have a choice, and the information below can help you decide.

Options available:

Standard cusp occlusion dentures are generally made using 10 or 20 degree cusp posteriors teeth. They are the standard in the industry, and have been for many years. All manufacturers of denture teeth make cusp occlusion denture teeth. The materials and quality of these teeth vary greatly from each manufacturer.  Dentures made using cusp occlusion are available from any dental professional that offers dentures in their office. They are the most common denture teeth and can be made, repaired, or replaced by most dentist and lab technicians.

Standard denture wearers with poorly made cusp occlusion dentures try and cope by covering their mouth when they smile, shying away from social events where they may be embarrassed by a loose or slipping denture, and they continue to use denture adhesives to try and hold them in place. The use of denture adhesive usually means a poor fitting denture. Such dentures can cause trauma, eventually leading to bone loss which can lead to an even more unstable denture and countless returns to a dentist for relines and adjustments creating an endless cycle of discomfort, pain and frustration.

The cost range varies greatly for standard cusp occlusion dentures, but they are generally the most generic, least expensive of all dentures.  The quality of cusp occlusion teeth varies greatly from different manufacturers. The cheaper ones are generally made of poor quality synthetic materials which stain and discolor quickly and are not wear resistant.

For a full denture this type of occlusion usually requires the use of denture adhesive to hold the lower denture in place.

Since any dentist, even ones with little or no experience can deliver a standard denture with cusp occlusion; this choice requires more research to find a qualified dentist known for making good dentures.

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