What is a mutually protected occlusion?
Treatment should go beyond just straightening the front teeth, but should establish an ideal bite, which protects the teeth, muscles and joints. A mutually protected occlusion includes a lower jaw that is comfortably seated in the joint. There is even simultaneous contact of the back teeth and light contact of the front teeth. There should also be anterior guidance, cuspid disclussion, and the elimination of balancing side interferences to maintain good health of the teeth, muscles and joints (TMJ).
