[Guidelines on occlusion and articulation. Part 1. Overdentures on implants in the edentulous lower jaw]

When loading dental implants it is generally accepted that one should minimize horizontal forces. This has its implications for the choice of the occlusal concept that is to be used for overdentures on implants. In this article various occlusal concepts for overdentures on dental implants in the lower jaw opposing different types of dental arch mutilation in the upper jaw are discussed. Apart from number, length and position of the implants, the condition of the opposite dental arch and the intermaxillary relationship play a role when choosing an occlusal concept. This article discusses the type of overdenture and the occlusal concepts for the edentulous lower jaw. A distinction is made between mucosally borne, mucosally-implant borne and implant borne overdentures on dental implants.