ISSN : 0376-4672
The proper occlusal design is one of the most important factors for the long-term success. The purpose of this research is to investigate and define occlusal considerations to reduce failure of implant-supported fixed prostheses. The physiological movement of implants is markedly lower than that of natural teeth and they also lack in occlusal sensitivity. Proper occulsal pattern may be assigned to compensate for the biological disadvantages and occlusal contacts must be formed where the cantilever effect is minimized. Moreover, the long-term success can be assured by reducing early occulsal loading to avoid implant overloading and selecting appropriate occlusion material.
Modern theories and concepts of occlusion for implants and natural teeth have originated in complete denture construction. Bilateral balanced occlusion as the occlusal scheme of choice has a long history in complete denture construction. The reason that occlusion has always been a consideration in the provision of removable prosthetics is because the adoption of good occlusal practice has a significant and immediate impact on the overall success of the treatment, as it affects denture stability. However, clinicians must remember that there are multiple ways, both successful and unsuccessful, to complete the restoration of a patient’s occlusion. The goal is to meet the physiologic, functional, and esthetic needs of the individual patient while applying knowledge, accurate diagnosis, experience, clinical judgement, and attention to detail. This paper describes the features of an ideal occlusion in removable prosthodontics, why these features make it ideal for denture stability, and some technique for achieving these aims.
Many concept of occlusion have been introduced in the past, but there isn’t any generally accepted unified theory since a single occlusion theory cannot represent the natural perfection, especially considering the difference in clinical experience, the dynamic occlusion, and individual diversity in mastication pattern. NAT(Naturgemässe Aufwachstechnik)/NFR((Natur Funktionsgerechte Rekonstruktion) occlusion is not just a theory on occlusion, but a clinical occlusion that can be practically applied to clinical practice by providing dynamic occlusion adjusted to the individual mastication pattern and biomechanics. This report aims to provide a guide to a clinically biomechanical occlusion through the teamwork of both the dentist and the lab technician by introducing the NAT occlusion through following: reviewing the concept of occlusion in terms of morphology, its correlation with NAT/NFR occlusion, reviewing the limitation of conventional occlusion theories, and introducing the clinical application of NAT/NFR.
The insurance payment plan for dental implants in Korea has been criticized because the payment priority has not been properly established, and the benefits are concentrated among middle-class citizens. In the current study, the relationship between the oral health condition and socioeconomic status of the elderly was analyzed using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). This study aims to determine the reason underlying the criticism of the insurance payment plan. The subjects were >65-year-old individuals in the 2010 and 2011 database of KNHANES. Data from 2,812 subjects were analyzed. The socioeconomic status was determined based on edentulousness, molar tooth loss, and presence of 28 teeth. According to the analysis, the average income was 1,560,000 won for edentulous elderly, 1,811,000 won for elderly who had lost molar teeth, and 1,896,000 won for elderly with 28 teeth (p<0.05). In addition, elderly with a low education level demonstrated a poor oral health condition (p<0.001). In conclusion, the insurance plan currently under examination is not properly designed for economically impoverished elderly because the plan only covers 50% of the costs and is limited to implantation of molar teeth only. This plan will not provide practical benefits to elderly with a poor socioeconomic status; therefore, the insurance payment plan needs to be improved so that the appropriate beneficiaries can be targeted.
