Centric Occlusion
Also written as: CO — Centric Occlusion
The occlusal relationship of the teeth when the mandible is in its maximum intercuspation position, regardless of condylar position.
Full Definition
Centric occlusion (CO) is the position of mandibular closure in which maximum intercuspation of opposing teeth occurs. It is a tooth-guided position, defined by dental contacts alone, and may or may not coincide with centric relation. The distinction between centric occlusion and centric relation is a critical editorial trap: the former is defined by tooth contact, the latter by condylar position. The discrepancy between the two is termed the 'CR-CO slide.' Editors working with occlusion-focused manuscripts must be vigilant not to use these terms interchangeably, as their conflation invalidates clinical descriptions.
Usage
Usage note: Never substitute for 'centric relation.' Centric occlusion is tooth-guided; centric relation is condyle-guided.
In Context
- "In this patient, centric occlusion and centric relation coincided, simplifying the occlusal adjustment protocol." — Prosthodontic case report
- "The manuscript incorrectly used 'centric relation' where 'centric occlusion' was clearly intended, based on the described tooth-contact context." — Peer-review editorial note