[From joint to neuromuscular, from mechanics to electronics: the concept of neuromuscular compatibility]

The development of devices to record the functional mandibular kinetics, has permitted the physiological analysis of the masticatory cycles. Therefore, it is possible to consider a functional integration of the corrections, by addition or subtraction to the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. For this purpose, we have established the conditions of a physiological concept of occlusion taking into account the efficiency of the masticatory apparatus through a velocity analysis. This is the N.M.C. concept or concept of Neuro-Muscular Compatibility. This concept has led us to define the ISCA (Intra-Cuspid Spatial Angle), represented by the angle defined in the three spatial planes, by the trajectory of the occlusal contact point of a cusp liding over its opposite, in any excursive opportunity. We have shortly reported the studies by Levin on the SIROGNATOGRAPH and the prospects resulting from these studies. Then, we have studied in greater details the Saphon VISI TRAINER III developed by HOBO and described the various potentials of its use in the GBM Laboratory in Vienna (France), with François DURET. We have also analyzed the specific points which seem to represent the weaknesses of this device and have outlined some solutions to this problem. This approach, within a clinical context, may at term give rise to a complex analyser-expert-system intends to facilitate the establishment of a reliable diagnosis and to control the physiological integration of our procedures. The establishment, at term, of parameters and constants of this function, will guide this progression towards success.