Occlusal feature most frequently associated with the development of abfraction lesions and non-carious cervical lesions

 # Which of the following occlusal features is most frequently associated with the development of abfraction lesions and non-carious cervical lesions?

A. Class II Division 1 with deep overbite

B. Severe Anterior Open Bite

C. Bilateral Posterior Crossbite in CR and CO

D. Non-working side occlusal interferences (mediotrusive contacts)

The correct answer is D. Non-working side occlusal interferences (mediotrusive contacts)

Non-working side occlusal interferences—contacts on the balancing (non-working) side during lateral mandibular excursions (mediotrusive movements)—generate eccentric tensile and compressive stresses that induce cervical tooth flexure, particularly in premolars and molars, promoting microfractures and enamel/dentin loss characteristic of abfraction lesions and NCCLs. Finite element models and clinical studies demonstrate these interferences elevate lesion risk by 2–4 times via sustained shearing forces (up to 50–100 N during excursions), with prevalence up to 70% in affected teeth versus <20% in interference-free occlusions. Elimination via selective grinding often halts progression, confirming causality. In contrast, Class II Division 1 deep overbite (A) primarily causes anterior trauma rather than lateral stress; severe anterior open bite (B) reduces overall occlusal loading; and bilateral posterior crossbite in CR/CO (C) may induce asymmetric forces but lacks the excursive specificity for abfraction predominance.