Correlation between inclination of occlusal plane and masticatory movement
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
T Ogawa1, K Koyano, T Suetsugu
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry II, Faculty of Dentistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. ogawa@dhembox.nc.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the inclination of the occlusal plane and masticatory movement.
Methods:
Masticatory movements of 41 young adults were measured using the three-dimensional Mandibular Movement Analyzing System. The inclination of the occlusal plane was measured in the sagittal plane using a three-dimensional digitizer.
Results:
In the sagittal plane, the masticatory closing path and the occlusal plane were consistent in maintaining a perpendicular relation with each other regardless of the inter-individual variation of the inclination of the occlusal plane. Subjects with an anteriorly inclined occlusal plane showed a vertical closing path, and subjects with a posteriorly inclined occlusal plane showed a flat closing path in the frontal plane. These characteristics were explained by the variation of the timing on the balancing-side condylar return correlated with the inclination of the occlusal plane.
Conclusions:
There is a significant correlation between the inclination of the occlusal plane and the direction of the closing path during mastication.
Related Concept Videos
00:51Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...
01:18Moments of Inertia for an Area about Inclined Axes
01:15Unsymmetric Bending - Angle of Neutral Axis
When a bending moment is applied at an angle θ concerning the vertical axis of a symmetrical member, it can be resolved into components along the member's principal centroidal axes. The...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:25Inclination of a Line