Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What occurs during laterotrusive motion of the mandible?

1. Disruption due to abnormal contacts on the non-working side

2. Close contact between the buccal aspects of maxillary and lingual of mandibular teeth

3. Contact between the lingual aspects of maxillary posterior teeth and buccal of mandibular posterior teeth

4. Excessive wear of the incisal edges of anterior teeth

The correct answer is: Contact between the lingual aspects of maxillary posterior teeth and buccal of mandibular posterior teeth

During laterotrusive motion of the mandible, the mandible moves to one side while the opposite side remains in contact with the maxilla, leading to specific dental contacts. Although the first two options describe potential issues or conditions related to movements of the mandible, they do not accurately characterize the motion itself. The primary aspect of laterotrusive motion is the contact between the teeth on different sides of the mouth. Correctly identifying that there is contact between the lingual aspects of maxillary posterior teeth and the buccal aspects of mandibular posterior teeth aptly illustrates the functional relationship during this lateral movement. The description captures the typical interactions that occur in this motion, reflecting normal occlusion mechanics. The focus is on how one set of posterior teeth engages with another during this specific movement of the jaw, which is a fundamental concept in understanding dental occlusion dynamics. The other options reflect either non-typical conditions (such as excessive wear, which is more associated with prolonged or maladaptive occlusal relationships) or descriptions of contacts that do not fit the definition of laterotrusive motion accurately, highlighting the importance of understanding these specific movements and their normal occlusal relationships during mastication.