A 28‑year‑old patient is undergoing occlusal analysis as part of prosthodontic rehabilitation. The dentist notes that during lateral mandibular movements, the canines guide the occlusion. This phenomenon is termed canine disocclusion (canine guidance). Which of the following best characterizes canine disocclusion?
1) Separation of anterior teeth during protrusive movements
2) Separation of posterior teeth on lateral working side
3) Separation of posterior teeth on lateral balancing side
4) Presence of working side contacts
📝 Explanation:
Canine guidance (canine disocclusion):
During lateral mandibular movements, the canines contact and guide the mandible.
This results in disocclusion (separation) of posterior teeth on the balancing side.
It protects posterior teeth from harmful lateral forces.