Comparison of the most comfortable mandibular position with the intercuspal position using cephalometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomechanics
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Determining the ideal jaw alignment is crucial for denture comfort and function.
• Edentulous patients often experience challenges in achieving a stable and comfortable bite.
• Mandibular position sense plays a role in identifying the most comfortable mandibular position (MCP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the most comfortable position (MCP) in edentulous subjects based on mandibular position sense.
• To compare the MCP in edentulous subjects with the intercuspal position (ICP) in dentate individuals.
• To assess the implications of MCP on occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) for denture restoration.

Main Methods:

• Ten edentulous subjects participated in the study.
• The MCP was recorded using mandibular position sense.
• The MCP was compared to the intercuspal position (ICP) of normal dentate subjects.

Main Results:

• The MCP in edentulous subjects was found to be at a lower mandibular position compared to the ICP in dentate subjects.
• A significant reduction in facial height was observed in edentulous subjects at their MCP.
• This reduction was associated with a front-upward rotation of the mandible around the condyles.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that the MCP in edentulous individuals is positioned lower than the ICP.
• The occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) for the MCP in restored dentition is likely less than the original ICP.
• These findings have implications for designing comfortable and functional dentures for edentulous patients.