occlusal equilibration
Pronunciation: ok-LOO-sal ee-kwil-ih-BRAY-shun
The selective adjustment of occlusal surfaces to produce simultaneous, even contact across all teeth in centric and excursive positions.
Full Definition
Occlusal equilibration is the systematic reshaping of tooth or restoration surfaces—either intraorally by the clinician or on an articulator by the laboratory technician—to eliminate premature contacts, interferences, and deflective excursions that can cause temporomandibular dysfunction, parafunction, or prosthetic failure. In the laboratory, equilibration is performed on mounted casts using articulating ribbon marks as a guide before the restoration is delivered. It is distinct from 'occlusal adjustment,' which tends to refer to minor spot grinding, while equilibration implies a comprehensive, protocol-driven procedure. Editors must be careful not to conflate equilibration with 'occlusal scheme,' which is the planned contact pattern, rather than the corrective process.
Usage
Usage note: 'Occlusal equilibration' implies a comprehensive procedure; 'occlusal adjustment' is often used for minor, spot corrections. Do not use these terms interchangeably in clinical or laboratory reports.
In Context
- "Occlusal equilibration on the mounted casts eliminated three premature contacts before the bridge was dispatched." — Laboratory completion report
- "The prescription requested occlusal equilibration on the articulator following placement of the porcelain veneers." — Laboratory prescription