Angle's Classification-A Prosthodontic Consideration: Best Evidence Consensus Statement.

Area of Science:

• Dental Occlusion
• Orthodontics
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Angle's classification is a historical system for classifying dental occlusion.
• It is traditionally determined in maximum intercuspal position (MIP).
• The clinical relevance of MIP-based classification versus centric occlusion (CO) needs evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if Angle's classification determined in CO aligns with MIP-based classification.
• To assess the utility of Angle's classification for edentulous patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials.
• Searches included terms like Angle's classification, centric occlusion, and maximal intercuspation.
• Focus on literature comparing MIP and CO determinations and edentulous patient applications.

Main Results:

• Seven relevant papers were identified from 494 initial articles.
• Evidence suggests Angle's classification can differ when recorded in CO compared to MIP.
• Angle's classification is not applicable or useful for edentulous patients.

Conclusions:

• Angle's classification determined in CO offers a potentially significant diagnostic insight for complete mouth rehabilitation.
• The traditional Angle's classification definitions are not suitable for managing edentulous patients.
• Re-evaluation of Angle's classification in CO is crucial for restorative treatment planning.