Abstract
It is said that controlling the occlusal force leads to the healthy stomatognathic system. However, it has not been cleared what types of occlusal forces should be controlled. We have been paying attention to the habitual first stroke of mastication, and concluded that the occlusal force derived from this habitual mastication should be controlled. This force from the habitual first syroke of mastication results in mighty asymmetric and unbalanced loading to natural remaining teeth though it may not be pathogenic. It is obvious that controlling the occlusal force cannot be attained without controlling this habitual mastication, which means that removing the retro-posterior force of the habitual mastication side is needed. Thus, the sliding mandibular movement, not hinge movement is essential in order to remove this retro-posterior force.
In this report, we present the basic concept of controlling the occlusal force and the clinical remedy of the habitual first stroke of mastication.
