TOOTH CONTACT, FUNCTIONAL OCCLUSION AND OCCLUSAL SUPPORT – IMPORTANCE AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
Tooth contact in the intercuspal position (ICP) is most frequent on premolars and molars. Whether there are 1 or 6 contact points on a tooth makes no difference for the sensation or for the function. Pressure and load on the teeth are sensed by mechanoreceptors in the periodontal membrane, and the sensation is therefore inferior with implant teeth. There is a positive correlation between the number of teeth in contact and the activity of the jaw closer muscles, the bite force and the chewing efficiency. In contrast, there is no clinically relevant correlation between the tooth contact and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) or between the occlusal conditions and sleep bruxism. Grinding and other occlusal treatments are therefore rarely required in the treatment of TMD. However, they may be indicated in very special cases, but to improve chewing function and occlusal stability.