What occlusal scheme should be used for tooth‐supported fixed partial dentures?

With FPD occlusion involving natural teeth, there is no clinical evidence supporting the superiority of one eccentric occlusal relationship over another. During protrusive movements, guidance by only the incisors without posterior tooth contact is the most common type of relationship and it is more common in Angle's Class Type I occlusions than in Angle Class II and III occlusions. Posterior tooth contact can occur during protrusion, and it is most common in Angle Class III occlusions and least common in Angle Class II occlusions. The canines can make occlusal contact during protrusive movements. Clinicians have used both GF and CPA in the restoration of teeth with FPDs. When restoring one arch the prostheses should harmonize with the patient's existing occlusal scheme if no other pathology exists. Nonworking side (mediotrusive) contacts should not be present on posterior teeth during lateral mandibular movements. In MIP, occlusal forces should be directed along the long axis of teeth. Some clinicians prefer that occlusal forces not be present on inclined surfaces in MIP and have cuspal contact on opposing flat fossae whereas others use multiple contacts on inclined surfaces around cusps, a process known as tripodizing. There is no clinical evidence that tripodizing or cuspal contact on flat surfaces enhances positional stability of the teeth or improves masticatory function. There is a need for extensive research of excursive and MIP schemes involving fixed partial dentures attached to natural dentition.