Recording Myocentric Relation in a Partially Edentulous Patient: A Case Report

The masticatory system constitutes four closely interrelated components: Teeth, muscles, nerves, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The stable and physiologic rest position of the TMJ is based on the muscle guidance (mainly masticatory, and partially facial), neurally determined and controlled occlusion, integrated together with its peripheral proprioceptors and relax mechanism of the central nervous system. Oral rehabilitation procedures should emphasize on a holistic approach to establish a physiologic relationship of the lower jaw to the base of the cranium resulting in a neuromuscular rest position. This position then would support an occlusion for the stability of the TMJ, the masticatory muscles of the orofacial region and the teeth along with their supporting periodontium. Such a holistic approach becomes more important in cases where the patient not only requires oral rehabilitation but also presents with related TMJ problems. This is a case report where an attempt is made to rehabilitate a patient in a neuromuscular rest position by establishing a myocentric relation.