title: Vectorial analysis of the static equilibrium of forces generated in the mandible in centric occlusion, group function, and balanced occlusion relationships.
abstract: Mechanical analyses supporting various and prevailing stomatognathic concepts of occlusal function are sparse. This study, using a mechanical model, simulates a system in function and provides a vectorial analysis based on a static equilibrium of forces generated in a mandible at 10 different positions. The positions analyzed were one in centric occlusion and nine in eccentric positions. Four eccentric positions were in a balanced occlusal relationship and five were in group function. Among other conclusions that were drawn, the most relevant seems to be the finding that cusp inclines and condylar path inclination have a profound influence on the forces acting within the joints and dentition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dental School, San Antonio.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: dos Santos
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Blackman
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D001732:Bite Force; D003767:Dental Occlusion, Balanced; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000502:physiology; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000502:physiology