Which cusps are classified as non-functional cusps in posterior occlusion?

Which cusps are classified as non-functional cusps in posterior occlusion?

• A. Buccal cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth and lingual cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth
• B. Buccal cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth and lingual cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth
• C. Centric Contacts
• D. Curve of Spee

Answer: (A)

In posterior occlusion, non-functional cusps are the ones that do not participate in centric occlusion. The cusps that actually bear the primary load during the closed, resting jaw position are the functional cusps—these are the buccal cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth and the lingual cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth. The non-functional pair, therefore, comprises the buccal cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth and the lingual cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth. They typically do not contact in maximum intercuspation and are not the main load-bearing cusps; they may engage during excursions to guide the mandible but aren’t the primary contributors in centric occlusion.

In posterior occlusion, non-functional cusps are the ones that do not participate in centric occlusion. The cusps that actually bear the primary load during the closed, resting jaw position are the functional cusps—these are the buccal cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth and the lingual cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth. The non-functional pair, therefore, comprises the buccal cusps of the maxillary posterior teeth and the lingual cusps of the mandibular posterior teeth. They typically do not contact in maximum intercuspation and are not the main load-bearing cusps; they may engage during excursions to guide the mandible but aren’t the primary contributors in centric occlusion.