Advantages of Lingualized Occlusion Over Other Occlusal Schemes when Restoring Implants?
Dr. E. asks:
I have been taking courses on how to restore implants. I have heard several lecturers discuss the benefits of using a lingualized occlusion scheme and that this places less stress on the implants and is easy to adjust. But nobody has quoted any studies to validate this point of view. I would like to read the studies themselves that demonstrate the advantages of lingualized occlusion over other occlusal schemes before using this approach. Can anybody recommend some readings on this like studies published in peer reviewed journals? For those of you using this approach, what are your recommendations and cautions?
2 Comments on Advantages of Lingualized Occlusion Over Other Occlusal Schemes when Restoring Implants?
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Ron H-- Prosthodontist
12/15/2009
I have been using this approach for over 20 years and can report that it works very well clinically. I am not aware of any studies supporting its superiority. Clinical studies are going to be hard to do or find due to the difficulty of isolating and controlling variables. Lingualized occlusion has been studied with Complete Dentures and I believe the majority of the studies show no general superiority of one concept of occlusion over another. Its value can be seen in the way it helps accomplish well established standards of occlusion. It is easier to do and provides stable contacts. By limiting contact to the Mandibular central fossa/marginal ridge areas and the Maxillary lingual cusps, it avoids more facially located contact on the Mandibular Buccal cusps and the Maxillary central fossa/ marginal ridge areas. Therefore, it helps keep contacts more along the long axis of the implant which are better tolerated and appear more beneficial, especially with unsplinted implants. It allows full length and esthetics of the Maxillary Buccal cusps and is consistent with the KISS principle of keeping things as simple as possible. Basically, it works and is practical to use.
Mark
12/15/2009
Read the books written by Dr. Carl Misch or take the prosthetic course at the MISCH INTERNATIONAL IMPLANT INSTITUTE starting in February in Orlando Florida.
