NEW DEFINITION FOR RELATING OCCLUSION TO VARYING CONDITIONS OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT

Centric relation is the accepted term for defining the condylar axis position of intact, completely seated, properly aligned condyle-disk assemblies. However, some structurally deformed temporomandibular joints may function comfortably, even though they do not fulfill the requirements for centric relation. A wide range of temporomandibular disorders from partial to complete disk derangements with or without reduction may adapt to a conformation that permits the joints to comfortably accept maximal compressive loading by the elevator muscles. There has been no accepted terminology to define the condition or position of such joints. The purpose of this article is to define a new term, adapted centric posture, and to explain its rationale and how it is determined. Verification of successful adaptation is an important step in diagnosis, because it rules out structural intracapsular disorders as a source of orofacial pain and establishes responsible guidelines for initiation of occlusal treatment or prosthetic dentistry. It also establishes a much needed terminology for more specific description of temporomandibular joint position and condition for clinical research on the relationship between occlusion and the temporomandibular joints.