Occlusion: reflections on science and clinical reality

The last 50 years have seen progress in emphasizing scientific evidence as a basis for dental practice, including occlusal therapy. Although a proper understanding of the contributory role of occlusion to temporomandibular disorders should not be minimized, the importance of occlusion in other areas of dental education and practice should not be overlooked. The primary objective of this article is to discuss the nature of this problem as it relates to the duality of science and clinical reality in the evidence-based paradigm, information transfer, quality of evidence, clinical trials, and clinical aspects of occlusion. Some suggested solutions for the problem and thoughts on past and future perspectives of occlusion are expressed in context of inquiry.