OCCLUSAL CONTACTS - VECTORIAL ANALYSIS OF FORCES TRANSMITTED TO TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT AND TEETH

Despite relevant command of muscles in the chewing apparatus, occlusio n of the upper/lower jaws is constrained by joints and opposing teeth. To describe this system performance, the link quadrilateral bell-cran k comprised a suitable model to render vectorial analysis of forces tr ansmitted to the masticatory system during mandibular elevation. Occlu sal contacts were created in the above proposed model. No different me chanical responses in the system were found between maximum intercuspa tion contacts in centric occlusion as compared to long-centric reconst ruction. There was a tendency for force decrease in joints and equal f orce distribution on dentition. Prematurities in centric relation, at least extent, and protrusive interferences produced concentration of f orces at dentition and decrease of forces in the joint, while protrusi ve guidance tended to increase force in the joint.