Comprehensive Occlusal Concepts in Clinical Practice

Comprehensive Occlusal Concepts in Clinical Practice aims to provide a clear and thorough guide to the understanding and application of occlusal concepts in the dental practice, enabling dentists to gain a straightforward understanding of widely recognized occlusal principles and practices to engender longevity, predictability, and professional confidence in everyday dental procedures. Comprehensive Occlusal Concepts in Clinical Practice also features a comprehensive review of occlusal and periodontal literature, establishes occlusal principles and practice protocols as routine, and aids in developing the reader’s critical ability to know when and when not to perform occlusal therapy. This is a unique book in its scope, thoroughness, and practicality, making occlusal concepts easily understood, yet also demonstrating the specific skills needed to perform the details of a physiologic occlusal scheme.

Contributors ix

1 Introduction to Occlusal Disease and Rationale for Occlusal Therapy 3
Irwin M. Becker

2 Occlusal Parafunction and Temporomandibular Disorders: Neurobiological Considerations 15
Henry A. Gremillion

3 The Masticatory System: Orthopedic Considerations in Function and Pathofunction 27
Henry A. Gremillion and Christopher J. Spencer

4 The Anatomical Basis of Occlusion 43
Irwin M. Becker

5 Accepted Occlusal Principles Involved in Physiologic Occlusion 61
Irwin M. Becker

6 Evaluating the Muscles of the Stomatognathic System and Their Role in Understanding Occlusal Disharmony and TMD 77
Herbert E. Blumenthal

7 The Effect of Occlusal Forces on the Progression of Periodontal Disease 123
Stephen K. Harrel and Martha E. Nunn

8 An Occlusal Basis of Treatment Planning 141
Irwin M. Becker

9 Occlusal Bite Splint Therapy 169
Roger A. Solow

10 Occlusal Equilibration and the Diagnostic Workup 215
Irwin M. Becker

11 Dentist-Ceramist Communication, the Foundation of Successful Treatment 259
Matthew R. Roberts

Index 293

Dr. Irwin M. Becker, D.D.S, is Chairman of the Department of Education at The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Key Biscayne, Florida, and world renowned dental coach and consultant with Irwin Becker Initiatives. Comprehensive Occlusal Concepts in Clinical Practice aims to provide a clear and thorough guide to the understanding and application of occlusal concepts in the dental practice, enabling dentists to gain a straightforward understanding of widely recognized occlusal principles and practices to engender longevity, predictability, and professional confidence in everyday dental procedures. Comprehensive Occlusal Concepts in Clinical Practice also features a comprehensive review of occlusal and periodontal literature, establishes occlusal principles and practice protocols as routine, and aids in developing the reader’s critical ability to know when and when not to perform occlusal therapy. This is a unique book in its scope, thoroughness, and practicality, making occlusal concepts easily understood, yet also demonstrating the specific skills needed to perform the details of a physiologic occlusal scheme.

Key Features:

• brings complex topics in occlusion into the context of everyday clinical practice
• arms readers with the critical ability of knowing when and when not to perform occlusal therapy
• emphasizes the newest digital technologies
• addresses occlusal principles from a functional, parafunctional, periodontal, and esthetic perspective