Occlusion for the Class II jaw relations patient.

Each patient with a small mandible presents an occlusal pattern that differs from most of the criteria established for a class I occlusion. The components of a class II occlusion are unlike other occlusions. The anterior teeth do not provide the protection and guidance normally provided by horizontal and vertical overlap. The posterior teeth bear the full force of occlusion. Protrusive movement is the dominant and the most used movement. The posterior teeth must function from centric relation forward to an anterior separation. Most of the posterior teeth exhibit balancing contacts. This occlusion is a type of bilateral balanced occlusion. Greater interocclusal clearance must be provided and tested for adequacy of space during speech and function. A class II occlusion is a most exacting occlusion. The controlling factors are the posterior determinants of occlusion.