What Occlusal Scheme Should Be Used with Removable Partial Dentures?

The occlusion developed with RPDs should be physiologically harmonious, allowing the supporting structures to remain in a good state of health with functional stress distributed among all the occluding teeth. Multiple authors indicate the occlusion in maximum intercuspation/centric occlusion should incorporate bilateral posterior contacts with no deflective occlusal contacts. When most occlusal contacts on natural teeth are missing, it has been proposed that extension base RPDs have their occlusal contacts developed in centric occlusion. Regarding eccentric occlusal relationships, a balanced occlusal scheme has been recommended by multiple authors with one author advocating use of a lingualized balanced. An anterior guided (canine-protected) occlusion has also been recommended when the canines are present and not periodontally compromised. When RPDs oppose a complete denture, several authors indicate a bilateral balanced occlusion should be used to help stabilize the complete denture.