The influence of altered occlusal guidance on condylar displacement

This study investigated mandibular displacement and masticatory muscle activity during clenching in lateral occlusal position in relation to the lateral occlusal pattern. Twenty healthy human subjects (mean = 26.5 years) volunteered for this study. Metallic occlusal overlays were fabricated for the lower working side canine to second molar and non-working side second molar in order to simulate a canine protected occlusion, group function occlusion and bilateral balanced occlusion (balancing contact). Three-dimensional displacements of the bilateral condyle and electromyography (EMG) activities in the bilateral masseter, anterior and posterior temporalis were recorded during maximal clenching. The experimental occlusal pattern was revealed to have statistically significant effects on both condylar displacement and EMG activity (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). When compared to the simulated group function occlusion, the simulated canine protected occlusion and balancing contact caused statistically significant smaller superior displacements of the non-working side condyle, which suggests that they may result in reduced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) loading. Furthermore, the simulated canine protected occlusion was associated with the lowest EMG activity, which suggests that this occlusal pattern has the capacity to reduce the level of parafunctional activity.