For the stability of removable partial dentures, both the occlusal relationship and the design of the denture are important.<BR>A mandibular simulation model with three remaining teeth (Nos. 22, 27, and 31 or Nos. 22, 27 and 31; universal tooth numbering system) was used in this study.<BR>Occlusal contact in the lateral eccentric jaw relation was varied, and the stress distribution of abutment teeth and displacement of the denture base were examined.<BR>The results were as follows:<BR>The occlusal contact in the lateral eccentric jaw relation rather than kind of retainer seemed to influence the stress distribution of abutment teeth and displacement of the denture base.<BR>In the case of bilateral balanced occlusion, there was no obvious difference between an Akers clasp and a cone-telescopic crown.<BR>Denture stability could be maintained by group functioned occlusion as well as by bilateral balanced occlusion, depending on the pattern of the remaining teeth.<BR>The results suggested that in the case of an asymmetrical pattern of the remaining teeth, occlusal contact in the right and left lateral eccentric jaw relation must be changed.