Classification of centric occlusion disturbances on the basis of intra-oral records

Abstract

The development of the functiograph has made it possible to make inteaoral records of both the gothic arch and the centric occlusion relations on a horizontal tracing plate. Using the functiograph in combination with clinical and radiographic findings allows centric occlusion disturbances to be grouped in one of two classes: Class I: centric occlusion disturbances without lateral displacement of the inter-cuspal position (IP) and retruded contact position (RCP) related to either a pathological coincidence of the RCP and IP, or an unacceptable sagittal ‘slide in centric’ which can be pathologically elongated either anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Class II: centric occlusion disturbances with a lateral displacement of the IP related to either a pathological coincidence of the RCP and IP, or with a frontolateral slide from a normal or a displaced RCP into the IP. This classification is considered to be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of centric occlusion disturbances.