Influence of balanced occlusion and canine guidance on electromyographic activity of elevator muscles in complete denture wearers.

Electromyographic recordings were made from the anterior temporal and masseter muscles during maximal voluntary clenching with complete dentures in the intercuspal position and in the laterotrusive jaw position with balanced occlusion and canine guidance. The different pattern of activity of the two muscles in the laterotrusive occlusal schemes studied suggests that their motoneuron pools receive different inputs. The lower activity in both muscles with canine guidance suggests that canine guidance may be a significant factor for preventing parafunctional activity in edentulous patients.