In natural dentition, which options may be used to minimize posterior wear?

• A. Canine guidance or group function.
• B. Only anterior guidance.
• C. Balanced occlusion exclusively.
• D. No guidance is used.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how occlusal contacts influence wear is key. Posterior wear happens when heavy, repetitive forces strike the back teeth during function. A balanced occlusion distributes those forces across multiple posterior teeth in centric and eccentric jaw movements, so no single tooth bears the load. This bilateral, even contact pattern reduces peak pressures on posterior surfaces and cusps, which minimizes wear over time. While schemes like anterior guidance can help by disoccluding the posterior teeth during side-to-side movements, and having no guidance would leave posterior teeth unprotected, the approach that most effectively minimizes posterior wear across movements is balanced occlusion, when it can be achieved.