Occlusion according to The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms Ninth Edition is defined as "the static relationship between the incising or masticating surfaces of the maxillary or mandibular teeth or tooth analogues".[1]
When exploring different complete denture occlusal schemes, it is more useful to define occlusion as the relative movement of one object to another viz the dynamic relationship between mandible to the maxillae during function. Bilateral balanced occlusion and non-balanced occlusion are two separate entities that make up complete denture occlusion. Bilateral balanced occlusion is observed when simultaneous contacts achieved in both centric and eccentric positions. Non-balanced occlusion is seen when teeth do not occlude in simultaneous contacts. Both concepts will be explored in greater detail in the following article.
- ^ "The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms". The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 117 (5): C1–e105. May 2017. doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2016.12.001. PMID 28418832.