Body position and occlusal contacts in lateral excursions: a pilot study

This pilot study aimed to explore whether occlusal contacts during lateral excursions are influenced by tilted body positions. Occlusal contacts in lateral excursions were verified for 30 dental students and 22 dental staff members using articulation foil while patients were seated in a dental chair. The number and location of dynamic tooth contacts (initial and halfway) were registered with the back of the dental chair in three positions: upright, 45 degrees, and supine. For the majority of subjects (96%), dynamic occlusal contacts changed when the body position was altered.