A revised view of the dynamics, physiology, and treatment of occlusion: a new paradigm

A new perspective is proposed regarding the functional dynamics of occlusion, the masticatory muscles, and mandibular placement. Each is analyzed on the basis of a new criterion: force. Stomatognathic function is represented as an ongoing equilibrium maintained between the three-dimensional set of individual occlusal forces and the three-dimensional set of bilateral muscle forces. Mandibular placement is of prime importance, mediating as it does between the two. The conclusion is drawn that occlusion and the muscles can correlate optimally with each other only when the mandible occupies its neuromuscular position (NMP), herein defined as that placement where muscle accommodation is at its absolute minimum. The conclusion is that only the muscles themselves are capable of establishing the NMP and that customary conventional technology is inadequate. A new technology, hydrostatics, is needed to create the special (not existing naturally) occlusal conditions essential to optimally integrating occlusion, mandibular placement, and muscles. Preliminary EMG data is offered in support of this conclusion.