The functional range of tooth contact in lateral gliding movements.

The dynamic contact pattern of teeth in lateral glide movement was recorded in 72 individuals, 19 to 35 years of age, with normal tooth alignment and Angle class I molar and canine relationship. The lateral glide movement was divided into three stages to simulate the total range of events in lateral glide movement naturally demonstrated by the patient. This study has shown that lateral glide movement is a complex movement in which the nature of tooth contact is altering in location, direction, and number of teeth participating. Consequently the restoration of an occlusion in accordance with a given concept does not always apply to all patients.