title: Complete denture occlusion: an evidence-based approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study involved an extensive search for randomized controlled clinical trials comparing bilateral balanced and canine-guided dentures, and questioned whether a bilateral balanced occlusion is imperative for successful denture treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, LILACS, and BBD). The keywords "denture" and "occlusion" were used. The minimum inclusion requirements were (1) randomized controlled trials with patients of any age wearing both maxillary and mandibular conventional complete dentures (CDs), (2) comparison between bilateral balanced and canine-guided dentures, and (3) assessment of masticatory function and/or patients' satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search resulted in the identification of 5166 articles. Subsequently, 5156 articles were excluded on the basis of title and abstract. By the end of the search phase, seven randomized controlled trials were considered eligible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current scientific evidence suggests that bilateral balanced occlusion is not imperative for successful treatment with conventional CDs in average patients. More studies are necessary to identify if specific clinical conditions may benefit from a balanced occlusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, Potiguar University, Natal, Brazil. a.fariasneto@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Arcelino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farias-Neto
authors.forename: Adriana da Fonte Porto
authors.initials: Ada F
authors.lastname: Carreiro
mesh_terms: D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003767:Dental Occlusion, Balanced; D003824:Denture, Complete; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic