Preliminary studies of mandibular movement at initial tooth contact

Mandibular movement that occurred after initial tooth contact in a rhythmical tooth-tapping task was investigated using a closed-circuit television movement detector. Tooth contact was monitored by the placement of a small microphone on the subjects' foreheads. Movement was traced on ultraviolet-sensitive chart and a statistical method of analysis was developed to determine movement patterns at the commencement and cessation of each cycle. Results showed that a regular pattern of movement could be observed as a cycle of movement commenced, but that this was not so apparent on cessation.