Anterior guidance during sagittal movement results in which outcome?

• A. Increased posterior tooth wear
• B. Posterior disclusion
• C. Posterior tooth intrusion
• D. Inhibition of anterior tooth contact

Answer: (B)

Anterior guidance shows how the front teeth control the jaw’s path when moving forward in the sagittal (protrusive) direction. As the mandible translates anteriorly, the contact pattern is such that the posterior teeth are separated from each other and no longer occlude—this is posterior disclusion. This disclusion protects the posterior teeth from grinding forces during forward movements and helps prevent wear or non-axial loading. So, the outcome of anterior guidance in sagittal movement is posterior disclusion. The other possibilities would imply continued posterior contact or issues not driven by anterior guidance.