Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

In partial dentures, the contact between artificial and natural teeth on the balancing side is ideally designed to maintain occlusal harmony while allowing for functional movements such as mastication. A slight touch in the balancing side is appropriate because it aids in stabilizing the denture during function without imposing excessive forces that could lead to discomfort or displacement of the prosthesis.

Having contact that is too strong or full on the balancing side can create imbalances, potentially leading to trauma on the natural teeth and surrounding tissues, as well as problematic wear on the denture. Similarly, if there is no contact at all, it may result in unilateral loading during chewing, which could also induce instability and discomfort. A design that allows for slight contact ensures that the artificial teeth aid in balancing occlusion during functional movements while minimizing risk to both the denture and the natural dentition, thereby promoting a more natural and comfortable bite.