Abstract
BackgroundThe search for the ideal, healthy and reproducible position of the condyles is of utmost importance for dental diagnosis and treatment. Thus, the objective of this laboratory cross-sectional study was to verify the relationship between the posterior joint space and the mandibular lateral movements.Material and MethodsDental casts from 15 women and 15 men with normal mastication, 28 natural teeth and no history of temporomandibular disorders or pain, were fabricated and mounted on a fully adjustable articulator. From the maximum intercuspal position, condylar displacement was evaluated and measured on the working and nonworking sides during mandibular lateral movement, both to the right and left sides.ResultsThe correlation between the measures of interest was assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient (α=.05). Condylar displacement on the working side and nonworking side condyle was 0.88±0.71 mm and 3.57±1.11 mm (right mandibular lateral movement); and 0.91±0.58 mm and 3.51±0.78mm (left mandibular lateral movement), respectively. No significant correlation in the condylar displacement between the working side condyles on the right and on the left sides was observed (r=.22; P=.248). The condylar poles of the articulator moved posteriorly, simulating the functional movements of the mandible during mastication. In all cases, condylar displacement during mandibular lateral movement both to the right and left occurred posteriorly on the working side condyle.ConclusionsThe condylar poles of the articulator moved posteriorly simulating the functional movements of the mandible during mastication. Moreover, left and right working condyles may require slightly different spaces to function, suggesting minor anatomical asymmetries. Key words:Mastication, dental occlusion, prosthodontics.
Highlights
The temporomandibular joint movements are controlled by the morphology of the synovial joint and by the dentition with teeth being the hard end point of closure
The path taken within the joint cavity by the condyles during the mastication has a direct relationship with occlusal inclined planes, indicating that the masticatory pattern is influenced by occlusion [1,9,12]
Material and Methods Dental casts of 30 patients were mounted on a fully adjustable articulator and condylar displacement was measured during mandibular lateral movement
Summary
The temporomandibular joint movements are controlled by the morphology of the synovial joint and by the dentition with teeth being the hard end point of closure. The working side condyle in addition to rotating, moves gently to the posterior space inside the joint cavity, retracting from 0.5 to 1 mm [5,6,7]. This terminal position of the intercondylar rotation axis, which is achieved when the mandible is in a retrusive position, might be a desirable starting point in case there is a need for extensive restorative reconstruction, and it could be used as a reference point for the intermaxillary relationship. In order to reduce uncertainties and to verify the relationship between the posterior joint space with the functional mandibular movements, the aim of this laboratory cross-sectional study by indirect method was to measure and evaluate condylar displacement relative to the glenoid fossa during mandibular lateral movement by using a fully adjustable articulator
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