Centers of rotation during jaw movements

Authors

  • Anne S. McMillan Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials Science Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, University of Lund, Malmo, Sweden
  • Duncan R. McMillan Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials Science Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, University of Lund, Malmo, Sweden
  • Brian W. Darvell Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials Science Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, University of Lund, Malmo, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3109/00016358909007719

Keywords:

Articulators, dental occlusion, temporomandibular joint

Abstract

Abstract

Anatomists consider the articulation of movable joints to be complex, involving movable instantaneous centers of rotation (ICR). However, prosthodontists often treat the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a model of a simple hinge. The aim of this study was to examine the case for a movable ICR during habitual opening and closing jaw movements. Young, dentate subjects were examined with a kinesiograph. Jaw movements were performed and recorded. The center of rotation of each movement pattern was identified, and its location related to the position of the TMJ. The results showed that opening and closing jaw movements were predominantly non-coincident, with a movable ICR located at a variable distance and direction from the TMJ. There was no evidence to suggest that the TMJ functioned as a simple hinge during jaw movements.

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Published

1989-01-01

Issue

Vol. 47 No. 5 (1989): Acta Odontologica Scandinavica

Section

Articles