The canines and incisors of the human dentition are called anterior teeth. If the inclination of the tooth axis of the maxillary anterior teeth has a mirror symmetrical center line, an aesthetic and harmonious dental appearance results. The technical language speaks of an anterior tooth guide when canines and incisors serve as guides during bite block.
What is anterior tooth guidance?
Technical jargon refers to anterior tooth guidance when canine and incisor teeth serve as guides during bite block. Since the canines and incisors belong to the anterior teeth, anterior and canine guidance are often used interchangeably. In order to achieve a perfect dental appearance, the anterior teeth in particular must be evenly spaced and have a healthy white, yellowish color. The mouth, teeth and gums must match the face and harmonize with the person’s appearance. The front six teeth of the upper and lower row of teeth in the anterior region are called anterior teeth. Unlike the posterior teeth, they do not have occlusal surfaces. The term anterior region refers to the front teeth of the dentition and the anterior region. This includes the anterior teeth visible during speech. A well-functioning anterior or canine and a healthy chewing function are the most important prerequisites for a healthy set of teeth.
Function and task
The anterior tooth guidance is a dynamic occlusion. This exists with the occlusal surfaces between the anterior teeth in the lower jaw and the anterior teeth in the upper jaw. The medical definition of occlusion means “contact between the teeth of both jaws”. Other terms for anterior guidance are incisal guidance and incisor guidance. When the lower jaw moves, there is contact only on the canines and incisors of the upper and lower jaws. Dentists speak of incisal guidance when the lower anterior teeth slide past the palatal (palate-side) tooth surfaces of the upper anterior teeth. The term “incisal” describes a positional or directional designation. Dentistry refers to a surface designation of the teeth. The incisal point is the mesial (the part of the dentition facing the center of the dental arch) point of contact where the cutting edges of the centrally located incisors of the mandible touch. Anterior tooth guidance is an antagonistic contact of the canines and incisors during movement of the mandible. During mastication, the rows of teeth of the upper and lower jaws briefly meet to grind the ingested food. Synergist (supporting muscle of the agonist), agonist (muscle inhibited by the antagonist) and antagonist (opposing muscle) perform complex movements through their interaction. In incisor guidance, the cutting edges of the lower incisors slide along the surfaces mouthward. In the case of the upper incisors, there is an opening movement of the lower jaw. Advance movements transmit the bite pressure via the anterior teeth, and lateral movements via the canines. This canine guidance illustrates how important the canines are. An occlusion exists when there is closure or contact between the rows of teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The occlusal surface forms the occlusal surface in contact with the opposing jaw tooth.
Diseases and complaints
Disorders may occur in the anterior and canine guidance. Myoarthropathy is present when there is an occlusal or bite disorder of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints. Arthropathy occurs when there is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, and myopathy occurs when there is a disorder of the masticatory muscles. In addition to the classic interdisciplinary factors, dentistry refers to these occlusal disorders as “occlusal interferences”, which occur both centrally and eccentrically and can trigger a dislocation of the physiologically ideal temporomandibular joint position. Dentistry refers to these disturbances, which are due to malocclusion of the individual teeth, as craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). The complicated, three-dimensional movement system of the temporomandibular joint can result in a variety of different complaints in the case of disturbances, which are not limited to the jaw area alone. The human masticatory apparatus only functions without interference if there is harmonious coordination between the structures of the temporomandibular joint and the teeth. In the case of anterior teeth, the interlocking of the lower and upper jaws is optimal, the temporomandibular joints are centrally aligned and the masticatory muscles relax in a resting position.If there are disturbances of this optimal overall picture, increased masticatory musculature, worn and shortened teeth with abraded cutting edges in the anterior region and missing canine tips lead to a clear finding that forms the basis for subsequent therapy. The aim is to achieve a disorder-free occlusion with an optimal bite position. Causes of a disorder can also be defective dental implants and dentures such as crowns and bridges (interdisciplinary disorders). Non-occlusal disorders such as stress, orthopedic problems, body malpositions and trauma can also lead to complaints in the jaw area. These disorders form the basis for non-physiological activation and tension of the musculature and are likewise evaluated as CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction). The interactions from the interdisciplinary and occlusal area play an important role in the etiology. Via functional diagnostics, a brief finding is first made in the form of a screening by means of an examination form. If the presence of craniomandibular dysfunction is confirmed, a clinical functional analysis is performed. This functional status may be supplemented by an imaging, instrumental or consilar examination. The aim is to restore a problem-free occlusion and a properly functioning anterior or canine. After therapy, for example with an occlusal splint, the anterior and posterior teeth show a neutral allocation in accordance with the centric condylar position (articular process) and a harmonious allocation to the skeletal bases. The equilibration splint ensures an even bite block in all support areas of the anterior and cuspid guidance. It enables even and moderate contacts without leaving any room for movement of the affected teeth. With all excursion movements of the mandible, the disclusion (loss of occlusion, loss of contact) of all antagonists (opposing tooth, opposing jaw) starts spontaneously. Occlusal interference and elongation (lengthening) of missing antagonists are prevented and harmonization and relaxation of occlusion and musculature are achieved. New jaw movement patterns are programmed and mandibular constraints and parafunctions are eliminated. Physiologic condylar position is adjusted and secured.
