Centric occlusion, centric relation, and the mandibular posture

Abstract

Centric occlusion is a functional relationship of the teeth. Centric relation, often serving to establish the horizontal aspect of a planned centric occlusion, is a maxillomandibular orientation. Dentists often use techniques for recording centric relation that are not functional. Most patients will terminate their functional cycle of mastication with the mandible in the position of centric relation when the centric occlusion is developed in this position. Those patients who do not return their mandibles to centric relation during function may have their problems diagnosed early, when a complete tissue conditioning training denture procedure is employed. They may be given the opportunity to develop their optimum mandibular posture by this treatment.