A clinical study to determine the pattern of occlusal contacts in lateral positions and its validity in classifying guidance patterns.

The existing classification systems like canine-guided and group function are insufficient to classify all clinical conditions and chances of subjective variations are always there, as there is no standardization in examination method. Hence a study was planned to find out the frequency of tooth contacts in different lateral positions and to assess whether existing occlusal schemes like canine protection and group function can classify all occlusal guidance in the natural dentition. 100 systematically healthy undergraduate students between the age group of 18 to 25 years were selected. Occlusal contacts were examined with shim stock in lateral positions, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm from the maximum intercuspation. Frequency of tooth contacts in different lateral positions was examined. The SPSS version 15.0 statistical software and Chi- Square test were used for statistical analysis. Out of all the four lateral positions, 0.5 mm position showed maximum contacts which progressively decreases for further positions. Out of all teeth, canine showed consistent contact frequency throughout all four positions. Most contact patterns belonged to group function, and a few to canine protection. Majority of the contact patterns were those other than canine protection and group function and were unclassifiable. On the basis of the results of this study, it does not seem appropriate to describe and classify the patterns of occlusal contact using only existing classification system. A clear description regarding the position of mandible should be included in definition for research as well as clinical situations. Here an attempt is made to classify eccentric occlusal contact at different lateral positions so as to get consistent result for future studies.