The role of muscle deconditioning for occlusal corrective procedures

Research has indicated that the suspension mechanism of the condyle in the fossae is muscular rather than ligamentous. Therefore, in a normal condyle-disk-fossa relationship, variations in muscle tone influence condylar position and function. The proprioception of the muscles, tendons, periodontal membrane, and temporomandibular joints influence the muscle programming of centric occlusion. In many patients the usual chairside muscle deconditioning procedures are too weak and inefficient to overcome habitual closure. The role of long-term and short-term muscle deconditioning for the occlusal correction of centric relation deflective contacts has been discussed.