What is the goal of balanced occlusion in complete dentures?

• A. To maintain simultaneous contacts on both sides in all functional movements to stabilize the denture.
• B. To avoid any contacts during functional movements.
• C. To maximize contacts only on the working side.
• D. To achieve canine guidance in all movements.

Answer: (A)

Balanced occlusion in complete dentures aims to distribute biting forces evenly by ensuring simultaneous contacts on both sides during centric position and during all functional excursions (such as lateral and protrusive movements). This bilateral contact stabilizes the dentures, helping prevent tipping or rocking as the jaws move and as chewing forces are applied. In practice, relying only on the working side or having no contacts would destabilize the dentures, while canine guidance in all movements isn’t the goal for complete dentures because posterior bilateral contacts are essential for stability.