- Disturbing or unstable contacts after diagnostics
- Planning before veneers or full mouth
- Protection and trial via splints
109FIFTY · 05
Bite regulation: contact, guidance, follow-up
Only what functions is beautiful.
Bite regulation diagnostically coordinates tooth contacts and movement paths. Support zones of the posterior teeth, guidance by anterior/canine teeth or group function, and where appropriate functional splints belong in the plan. AWMF guidelines and OVD consensus support structured diagnostics and splint concepts – not healing of every pain form.
Bite regulation diagnostically coordinates tooth contacts and movement paths. Aesthetics without sustainable function is not durable. That is why multipoint contact, support-zone function of the posterior teeth and guidance by anterior and canine teeth – or planned group function – belong in the same thinking as veneer form and ceramic.
109FIFTY principle
What is considered functionally
Multipoint contact in maximum intercuspation distributes load. The posterior teeth as support zones carry the vertical dimension. Anterior and canine teeth often guide lateral and protrusive movements; depending on the concept, group function may also be indicated.
Which guidance fits is decided by the findings – not by dogma. That is clinical planning logic of the 109FIFTY philosophy, supplemented by guidelines on splints and bruxism.
- Multipoint contact in maximum intercuspation
- Support-zone function of the posterior teeth
- Guidance by anterior and canine teeth or group function
- Parafunction and wear patterns
- CMD-relevant signs in the overall concept
Limits and framing
Functional splint therapy
Functional splints can, depending on findings, be used for protection, unloading or pre-prosthetic trial of a jaw relation. They are not a universal treatment for every pain form.
Orientation: DGFDT/AWMF S2k occlusal splints (status 29.02.2024, valid until 28.02.2029) and DGFDT S3 bruxism (status 31.01.2026, valid until 30.01.2031).
Source IDs: [awmf083027] · [awmf083051] · [goldstein2021] · [loomans2017]
Limits and framing
Trial and follow-up
Reversible measures come before irreversible corrections. OVD consensus literature finds evaluation phases helpful, but does not see sufficient evidence that trial phases alone generally produce better results. Digital aids support planning and documentation – they replace neither examination nor the clinical decision.
Source IDs: [awmf083027] · [awmf083051] · [goldstein2021] · [loomans2017]
Limits and framing
CMD: multifactorial nature
CMD and facial or jaw pain can have several causes. Tooth contacts can be part of the functional assessment, but must not automatically be presented as the sole cause.
A brief CMD assessment therefore belongs in the routine of the treatment process – before extensive aesthetic or occlusal changes are planned.
Source IDs: [awmf083027] · [awmf083051] · [goldstein2021] · [loomans2017]
109FIFTY principle
Function is diagnosed by the dentist
Function is diagnosed by the dentist. The dental technician implements the planned contacts, guidance and material requirements in a patient-specific way.
Indication
When it may fit.
And when it may not.
- Blanket occlusal adjustment without findings
- Expectation of “solving” every form of head or facial pain
- Ignoring function and designing form only
Process
Sequence
- 01
Conversation and findings
Complaints, history, contacts, muscles, joints, tooth structure – dental diagnostics.
- 02
Concept
Plan guidance, support zones, and if needed a splint or additive correction.
- 03
Dental-technical implementation
The dental technician implements the planned contacts, guidance and material requirements in a patient-specific way.
- 04
Try-in
Reversible steps before permanent changes.
- 05
Control
Follow-up and adjustment.
Materials & technique
Means
- Individual functional splints
- Additive composite or ceramic corrections as indicated
- Orthodontic or restorative measures within the overall concept
Limits and framing
What to keep in mind.
- Contact changes may need adaptation time.
- Complaints can have several causes.
Knowledge
Frequently asked questions.
Is regulation the same as occlusal adjustment?+
No. Occlusal adjustment is only one possible, irreversible measure. Often diagnostics, a splint and additive options come first.
Why support zones and guidance?+
Because posterior teeth carry load and anterior/canine teeth or posterior teeth guide movements. Without that framework, veneer aesthetics remain fragile.
- Guideline
[awmf083027]DGFDT S3 083-027: Diagnostik und Therapie des Bruxismus (Stand 31.01.2026, gültig bis 30.01.2031). ↗ - Guideline
[awmf083051]DGFDT/AWMF S2k 083-051: Okklusionsschienen zur präprothetischen Therapie (Stand 29.02.2024, gültig bis 28.02.2029). ↗ - Consensus
[goldstein2021]Goldstein G, Goodacre C, MacGregor K. Occlusal vertical dimension: best evidence consensus statement. J Prosthodont. · DOI 10.1111/jopr.13315 · PMID 33783090 ↗ - Consensus
[loomans2017]Loomans B et al. Severe tooth wear: European consensus statement on management guidelines. J Adhes Dent. · DOI 10.3290/j.jad.a38102 · PMID 28439579 ↗
Note
Possible providers — not a recommendation
Whether and how to treat is decided solely by the treating provider after examination — not by 109FIFTY. Naming MEDIKUSS and MEDISMILE is a factual note on possible providers with concept experience, not advertising and not a recommendation.