Significance of Anterior Guidance in Selection of Posterior Teeth

The role of anterior guidance on the type of occlusion and overall stomatognathic health has been well documented in the literature related to Fixed Prosthodontics. Significance of proper anterior guidance for selection of posterior tooth forms for a removable partial denture is an area less explored by researchers. A female patient was treated with a cast partial denture for her Kennedy class 3 modification 1 partially edentulous situation, but reported back with a complaint of inefficient mastication. The patient had proclined anterior teeth with a resultant increased overjet which over a period of time affected anterior guidance. This abnormal anterior guidance has a direct bearing on the cuspal inclination of posterior teeth. Ideal treatment versus non ideal treatment in such cases has been discussed.