Centric occlusion is defined as the:

• A. Occlusion of opposing teeth when the mandible is in centric relation
• B. Complete intercuspation of the opposing teeth independent of condylar position
• C. The dynamic relationship of the mandibular anterior teeth
• D. The position of the tooth when lingual forces are balanced with labial forces

Answer: (A)

Centric occlusion is the occlusion of the opposing teeth when the mandible is in centric relation—the reproducible jaw position in which the condyles are seated in the anterior–superior part of the joint with the discs properly interposed. In this position, the teeth come together in a coordinated way, forming the occlusal contacts that define centric occlusion.

This is distinct from maximal intercuspation, which is the greatest amount of tooth-to-tooth contact that can occur regardless of where the condyles are seated. So centric occlusion focuses on the specific jaw position (centric relation) rather than just how many teeth touch.

The other options describe different concepts: one refers to the dynamic guidance provided by the anterior teeth, and another to a balancing-force idea that isn’t a standard definition of centric occlusion.