Posterior Bite Collapse: Guidelines for Treatment Based on Form and Function

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Health
• Occlusion

Background:

• Posterior bite collapse (PBC) is a clinical syndrome characterized by compromised posterior occlusion.
• It can lead to the destruction of the dentition's functional protective capacity.
• Secondary issues include periodontitis, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), tooth loss, and loss of occlusal vertical dimension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide general treatment guidelines for restoring posterior bite collapse (PBC) cases.
• Guidelines are based on the form and function of the masticatory system.
• Focus is on when treatment is necessary.

Main Methods:

• Review of etiological factors contributing to PBC.
• Assessment of factors influencing treatment decisions, including periodontium stability, periodontal health, caries, function, occlusion, TMD, esthetics, and phonetics.
• Development of general treatment guidelines based on masticatory system form and function.

Main Results:

• Identified multiple etiological factors for PBC, including tooth loss, malocclusions, periodontitis, wear, caries, and iatrogenic factors.
• Established that not all PBC cases require treatment.
• Treatment necessity and approach depend on various clinical factors.

Conclusions:

• Treatment for PBC should be individualized based on a comprehensive assessment.
• Guidelines focus on restoring the masticatory system's form and function.
• This article provides a framework for treatment decisions, not specific mechanics.