What does a denture's working side indicate about occlusal behavior?

The working side of a denture refers to the side of the dental arch that contacts during chewing or functional movements. When evaluating occlusal behavior, good occlusion on both sides indicates that there is balanced contact between the teeth on the working side and opposing occlusion during functional movements. This balance ensures that forces are evenly distributed across the arch, which is crucial for comfort, function, and longevity of the denture.

In this context, achieving good occlusion means that the occlusal planes are aligned correctly, allowing for optimal contact with the opposing denture or natural teeth during functional activities such as mastication. This balance is essential to avoid excessive forces which could lead to denture instability or discomfort.

The other options do not adequately describe the concept of occlusal behavior as it pertains to the working side of a denture. Anterior teeth contact might not represent balanced occlusion, and no contacts on the working side would imply a lack of functional contact, which contradicts the desired outcome for effective denture use. Similarly, proper balance of occlusion could be relevant, but it suggests an ideal state of occlusion rather than specifically addressing the working side's function.