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What students need to know about centric relation

BDJ Student (2023)Cite this article

Research on the topic of centric relation and its definition have always been controversial. The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms defines centric relation as ‘a maxillomandibular relationship, independent of tooth contact, in which the condyles articulate in the anterior-superior position against the posterior slopes of the articular eminences'.1 There has, however, been confusion regarding the definition as it has been changed many times over the years. There are even articles proposing to abandon the term centric relation, as its many definitions have caused various clinical issues.2 Others argue that the term centric relation should be kept, as it is well-known and widely accepted. Centric relation is being used for diagnosing patients as well as restoring their dentition and there are no convincing clinical studies that show failures of patients restored in this position.3 Hence, it is crucial to continue researching this topic to better understand its implications and how it should be used clinically.

The occlusion can be categorised into a physiological occlusion, a non-physiologic occlusion and an ideal occlusion.5 The physiological occlusion is disease and dysfunction free and there is no treatment necessary. The non-physiologic occlusion, also referred to as traumatic occlusion, indicates that a disease or disfunction is existent and treatment is necessary, and the ideal occlusion can be used to treat these diseases and dysfunctions.5 It can also be categorised by Angle's classification, which is defined by the Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms as a classification system based on the intercuspation of the first molar teeth originally described by Angle as four major groups depending on the anteroposterior jaw relationship.1 Class I is the neutrocclusion, in which there is normal alignment of the upper and lower jaws, as demonstrated by the intercuspal position of the mandibular and maxillary molars. In Class II, the disto-occlusion, the teeth of the mandible are located more distally than in Class I. The first molar of the mandible is positioned distally to the first molar of the maxilla. Class III is the mesio-occlusion. In Class III, the arch of the mandible is positioned anteriorly to the arch of the maxilla. The first molar of the mandible is located mesial to the first molar of the maxilla, and typically the incisors are in anterior reverse articulation.1

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References

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  1. College of Medicine and Dentistry, Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Eva Algermissen

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  1. Eva Algermissen
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Algermissen, E. What students need to know about centric relation. BDJ Student (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41406-023-1014-y

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