Lingualized Occlusion Analysis

Lingualized Occlusion- An optimal occlusal scheme in severe residual ridge resorption in edentulous patients
Abstract
Occlusion has a considerable influence on the outcome of every Prosthodontic treatment as occlusal prematurities have destructive and destabilizing influences on dentures. Unless denture bases are adequately and evenly stabilized, it is virtually impossible to properly equilibrate the occlusion. Inorder to overcome this problem the relative simplicity involved in development, lingualized occlusal scheme has gained favor among practitioners as adjustment required to compensate for minor changes in vertical and centric relation are readily accomplished for dentures. Thus, this article describes the principles and practical implementation

In comparison with this conventional anatomical concept, the number of occlusal contacts is reduced considerably with the lingualized occlusion concept, it’s only in centric relation that the lingual cusps of the posterior teeth in the upper denture make contact in the central fossae of the lower posteriors and buccal cusps are not in contact. There is therefore only one "centric stop" between upper and lower antagonistic pair of posterior teeth. [2-5] An aesthetically pleasing result can be achieved with the help of anatomically formed upper posterior teeth in lingualized occlusion., Although any type of anatomically formed posteriors molars can be made suitable for the lingualized occlusion concept by means of grinding, special teeth have been developed for this occlusion concept over the

It is indicated also in cases where a complete denture opposes a removable partial denture and in cases patients with parafunctional habits. [8]
Advantages of lingualized occlusion
The advantages of the lingualized occlusion concept are as follows: the advantages of both the anatomical teeth (i.e. aesthetic and chewing capacity) and the non-anatomical teeth (i.e. less horizontal forces) are maintained, particularly in patients with severe alveolar bone resorption. Vertical forces are directed more centrally on the mandibular alveolar ridge, which gives more stability to the lower denture.
The upper posteriors can be positioned more buccal of the ridge because the lingual cusps are active and should be situated at the top of the maxillary ridge. In many cases, this prevents an arrangement in cross bite and improves the aesthetic aspect of the dentures.
Balanced occlusion with a freedom of centric is easy to achieve within an area of 2 to 3 mm around the centric stops.