title: Pattern of occlusal contacts in eccentric mandibular positions in dental students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study observed occlusal contacts and their area on the teeth during lateral mandibular movements. The percentage of each occlusal pattern was determined.
  
  
  METHODS
  FIFTY SUBJECTS (MALE: 27, female: 23), aged 20-29 years, were included in the study. The criteria for selection were as follow: all subjects (i) were in their twenties; (ii) had normal occlusal alignment, no temporomandibular signs and symptoms with Angle's Class I relationship; (iii) had full dentition except for third molars; (iv) had no history of orthodontic therapy; and (v) had no restorations involving a cusp. The occlusal contacts were recorded with occlusion foil in three lateral excursions: 1, 2 and 3 mm from the maximum intercuspation. Data were analyzed with chi-square test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of working-side contact patterns were classified as group function (60%). Canine protection was rare (17%). Contact patterns other than canine protection and group function were found in 23% of the contact patterns on the right side. On the left side, group function was seen in 51%, canine protection in 21% and others patterns in 28% of the studied subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  On laterotrusion, most subjects had group function on the working side but canine protection was rare.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Fereidoun
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Parnia
authors.forename: Elnaz
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moslehi Fard
authors.forename: Katayoun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sadr
authors.forename: Negar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Motiagheny
keywords: border movement; eccentric; man-dibular movement; non-working side; working side