Share this post:
Dental Articles on Occlusion, Centric Relation, Restorative Dentistry & More
Posted by: Dr. Matthew Wolfe
And one thing to remember about centric relation is it's irrespective of where the teeth are. If the teeth weren't present, the muscles of mastication would guide the condyle and pull that joint up into centric relation.
Transcript continued below...
Once the joint is in Centric Relation, it is very important to verify that it's seated properly, using bimanual manipulation. But I think the most important thing to realize is that it's totally irrespective of tooth position. It's purely the position of the joint, and a patient should never really have to be put into centric relation. It's a natural physiological position that the patient should be able to find once those muscles are relaxed and the teeth are out of the way.
So if you ever have any questions about centric relation, read Dr. Dawson's book, Functional Occlusion: From TMJ to Smile Design, or attend the course Functional Occlusion - From TMJ to Smile Design and you'll get all the information you may need.
Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm EST
800.252.2178 Toll Free
727.823.7047 Phone
727.821.0482 Fax
Contact Us