Canine guidance is part of occlusion (closure, occlusion), the contact between the teeth of the lower and upper dentition. The canines provide the glide path for the antagonistic (opposing) teeth and guide the lower jaw, while there is no contact between the posterior teeth.
What is canine guidance?
Canine guidance is part of occlusion, the contact between the lower and upper teeth. If canine guidance also exists with the premolars (pre-teeth), dentists refer to it as premolar guidance. A synonym for canine guidance is the English term canine guidance. The guidance occurs between the canines of the lower and upper jaw. When the closed rows of teeth are in resting position, the upper and lower molars (molar teeth) of one side of the jaw touch each other. In the case of lateral chewing movements, the distance between the two rows of teeth is forced because the upper and lower canines touch each other due to their size. The canines thus represent an obstacle that separates the rows of teeth.
Function and task
If the masticatory apparatus functions without interference, the tooth and jaw joint structures are in harmony. The interlocking of the upper and lower jaws is optimal, the temporomandibular joints are centrally aligned, and the masticatory muscles exhibit maximum relaxation when at rest. As a result, the entire biomechanics are in harmony. The temporomandibular joint is the most complicated movement system of the human body, as it performs three-dimensional spatial movements. Canine guidance is a part of this movement system, which creates an interplay between the temporomandibular joints, occlusal surfaces, masseter muscles and masticatory function. The term canine protrusion (canine protrusion) refers to the position of the canines outside the tooth row. When dentists speak of canine protrusion, they mean the incorrectly positioned canines outside the tooth row. The canines play an important guiding role in the dynamic masticatory function. In the case of permanent dentures such as dental bridges or crowns, it is important to have an occlusion concept that also aims to restore canine guidance. Full dentures or complete dentures, however, are a contraindication to the creation of canine guidance. A point contact between the denture of the lower or upper jaw or its canines, respectively, would tilt a full denture in case of canine guidance. In contrast to the previously existing anatomical occlusion situation, simultaneous guidance of all teeth (molars, canine, premolar) on one side is a prerequisite for stable masticatory function. Therefore, canine guidance must be eliminated in the case of a total implant.
Diseases and complaints
If there is a bite or occlusion disorder in the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles, dentists refer to it as myoarthropathy. A disorder in the temporomandibular joints is called arthropathy. A myopathy is present with a disturbed masticatory musculature. These clinical pictures occur due to dysfunctions in the form of malocclusions. Synonyms are craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) and temporomandibular joint syndrome. If the interaction of the teeth is disturbed, this leads to overloaded chewing muscles and disharmonious tooth contacts with unnatural wear of the occlusal surfaces. The temporomandibular joints are then overstressed. Psycho-emotional stress can also lead to tension of the facial, jaw and head musculature and thus to incorrect contact of the teeth. Functional diagnostics and anamnesis with description of the pain quality lead to the therapy concept against pain in the temporomandibular joint, because tooth misalignments can not only cause discomfort in the jaw area, but also affect other body regions such as the head, ears and spine. The ideal diagnostic and therapeutic approach therefore consists of interdisciplinary cooperation with other specialists such as physiotherapists, orthopedists and osteopaths. The goal is to restore a correct bite position and relaxed jaw muscles. Often, these holistic complaints are caused by misaligned teeth, damaged dentures or gritted teeth. Gritted side and canine teeth caused by jaw clenching and grinding (bruxism) can be restored with little effort.The lost tooth substance is bonded to the tooth substance (adhesive technique) using ceramic table tops and composite add-ons by means of a minimally invasive procedure using biological crosslinking. The physiological bite height is restored. Composite table tops can be removed at any time and replaced by definitive reconstruction technique using ceramics when a corrected bite position is achieved. In contrast to the use of crowns, this reconstruction prevents a high level of substance erosion. Reconstruction treatment is usually more effective than therapy with a removable splint, which is worn as a protective splint at night to protect against tooth wear during sleep. However, it does not address the root causes because malocclusion, wear, bite and occlusion problems remain. In most of these cases, there is a lack of functional canine anterior guidance. The masticatory plane lowers and the pressure on the teeth increases. A bite disorder not only affects the jaw area, but can also lead to complaints of the musculoskeletal system. These are manifested by pain in the hip and knee joints, in the spine and in the neck, arm and shoulder area.
