Abstract
A firmly established theory on occlusion, even with natural teeth, has been all but absent throughout history. It is even more difficult to find an evidence-based concept of occlusion for the relatively new field of implantology.
Since I harbored doubts on initial gnathological theories of occlusion four decades ago, my work in treating occlusion in patients with temporomandibular arthrosis has brought me to the realization that the diagnosis and adjustment of the alignment or misalignment of the light guide tapping position (LGTP) and clenching position (CLP) in the stable condylar position are important focal points for clinical occlusion. I have therefore striven for the seamless incorporation of the prosthodontic techniques of maintaining, correcting, and restoring occlusion into my day to day clinical practice, which includes periodontal treatment and orthodontics. Implantology has now been added to this context, and I feel there is no need to take a drastically different approach to implant occlusion versus occlusion with natural teeth in considering the stability of implants, which includes the stability of natural teeth.
In this paper, I wish to discuss my approach to creating and adjusting implant occlusion. I will present actual case reports and postoperative observations of patients who received implant therapy in our clinic.
