[Bennett movement. A literature review]

The transversal movement of the human mandible on the balancing side is characterized by a downward, forward and inward movement of the condyle. Projected onto the horizontal plane, an angle between the midsagittal plane and the curve of the non-working condyle can be seen. This angle is called the Bennett angle. The rigid connection established by the body of the mandible results in a simultaneous rotation of the working side condyle. Additionally, there is a lateral shift of the mandible towards the working side called the Bennett movement. A review of the literature demonstrates that there are controversies regarding a physiological or pathological amount of Bennett movement, the direction and pattern, the reaction to occlusal equilibration and to the multitude of influencing factors. Unresolved aspects of the lateral movement of the mandible have been discussed and the direction of valuable investigations has been indicated.