Canine Guidance vs. Group Function — What to Specify in the Prescription?

Two Schemes — What's the Difference?

Two occlusal schemes, one difference that changes the design of the entire prosthetic restoration. The lab defaults to canine guidance — if you need group function and don't specify it in the prescription, the work will require additional grinding.

Canine Guidance

In lateral excursions, only the canines contact opposing teeth. Other teeth (premolars, molars) disocclude completely — posterior disocclusion is complete. This is anatomically logical: anterior teeth are designed to absorb lateral forces.

Group Function

In lateral excursions, several teeth simultaneously contact opposing teeth — the canine, premolars, and sometimes the first molar. Forces are evenly distributed across multiple teeth.

Parameter	Canine Guidance	Group Function
Lateral Contact	Canines only	Canine + Premolars (±1st Molar)
Posterior Disocclusion	Complete	Partial or absent
Indication	Healthy dentition, younger patients	Worn dentition, periodontics
Bruxism	Caution — force concentrated on canines	Better tolerated — force dispersed
Lab Default	Yes	No — requires specific instruction in prescription

When to Use Which Scheme?

Indications for Canine Guidance

• Young patient, healthy dentition
• Absence of parafunction or controlled bruxism
• Sufficient anatomical height and thickness of canines

Indications for Group Function

• Worn teeth, low or flat canines
• History of periodontal disease — compromised periodontium
• Bruxism — group function distributes forces across multiple teeth
• Patient has functioned in group function for years

What Does the Lab Do with This Information?

How We Design Occlusion

For canine guidance, we verify in the articulator that the canines guide lateral excursions and that posterior teeth disocclude. For group function, we verify even contacts on multiple teeth. Without specific instructions in the prescription, we work with canine guidance — it's the standard.

What Does an Error Look Like in Practice?

A patient with worn dentition, the dentist wants group function — but didn't specify it. The lab performs canine guidance (by default). The restoration arrives at the clinic. The patient has uneven lateral contacts, requiring 30–45 minutes of grinding. Question: what went wrong? Nothing technically — just one missing sentence in the prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is canine guidance always the better choice?

For young patients with healthy dentition — yes. For worn dentition or compromised periodontium, group function is more appropriate.

Does the lab default to canine guidance?

Yes. Without instructions in the prescription, we assume canine guidance. If you want group function — state it clearly in the order.

Can the occlusal scheme be changed after delivery?

Technically yes, but it requires remodeling the occlusal morphology of the entire anterior segment. It's better to establish the scheme before production.

Do parafunctions influence the choice of scheme?

Yes. Bruxism with canine guidance concentrates forces on the canines. Group function distributes them across multiple teeth — which is a more reasonable choice for a bruxer.

Before writing your prescription — determine the occlusal scheme. One sentence in the order ensures precise work without chairside grinding. Also, read the article about working with an articulator — it's a tool that verifies the occlusal scheme before shipment.