Telemetry and the study of vertical jaw relations

A method of monitoring vertical jaw separation over extended periods by radiotelemetry is given. The patterns of mandibular movement evoked by different activities such as rest, work, sleep and swallowing and the effect of a bite-raising splint are described. The influence of gravity and friction on mandibular rest position is discussed. The results were consistent with the view that the rest position of the mandible is determined by passive soft tissue balance, but subject to overriding muscular control as shown when a bite-raising splint was worn.