The effect of posterior tooth form on the chewing cycle in the frontal plane

The present study found that the closing angle 2 mm from intercuspal position was independent of artificial posterior tooth forms for the eight subjects who wore remote overdentures. This closing angle may be dependent on occlusal morphology in dentulous subjects. The difference could be related to the amount of proprioceptive input available from mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament. In edentulous subjects other parameters of chewing cycles may be dependent on posterior tooth forms. The studies cited, as well as the present one, have not provided adequate information regarding posterior tooth form, patient preferences, and masticatory function. More research is needed with larger numbers of subjects, one set of denture bases with interchangeable posterior segments, and double-blind examiners. Then dentists should be better equipped to solve and treat their patients' problems.