Influence of condylar guide inclination on condylar positioning during clenching

The relationship between the steepness of the articular eminence and the condylar positioning during clenching was investigated in 19 volunteers with natural dentitions. The condylar positioning during maximal voluntary contraction was measured using a mandibular movement analysis system with six degrees of freedom. The sagittal condylar guide inclination was also measured using the same apparatus. A significant negative correlation was observed between the sagittal condylar guide inclination and the distance of ipsilateral condylar positioning. This result suggests that the steepness of the articular eminence is an important factor in condylar positioning during clenching.