What is centric relation in prosthodontics?

In dentistry, centric relation is the mandibular jaw position in which the head of the condyle is situated as far anterior and superior as it possibly can within the mandibular fossa/glenoid fossa. This position is clinically discernible when the mandible is directed superiorly and anteriorly.

What is the difference between centric occlusion and centric relation?

Centric occlusion refers to a position of maximal, bilateral, balanced contact between the cusps of the maxillary and mandibular arches. Centric relation is the most retruded, unstrained position of the mandibular condyle within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), that is, within the glenoid fossa.

How do you record centric relations?

Gently position the four fingers of each hand on the lower border of the mandible. The little finger should be slightly behind the angle of the mandible. The pads of your fingers should align with the bone and stay together as if you were going to lift the head. Bring the thumbs together to form a C with each hand.

What is the importance of centric relation?

Centric relation is a bone braced position that prevents the condyle from going higher. This is important because one of the primary tenants of a stable occlusion is to prevent the back teeth from rubbing or interfering. Rubbing of back teeth dramatically increases muscle activity.

What is the Centric Relation of a denture?

1. relax the jaw muscles while the dentist manually manipulates the chin up and down. 2. turn the tongue backward toward the posterior border of the palate. 3. protrude and retrude the mandible repeatedly. 4. make repeated swallowing movements.

How is the mandible moved in centric relation?

When the patient has the mandible in a retruded position, he is instructed to move the jaw laterally to either right or left and to stop. The stylus is elevated and the patient is instructed to bring the mandible back to the retruded position. Then, the patient moves the jaw to the opposite side.

When do you have to be in centric relation?

It’s purely the position of the joint, and a patient should never really have to be put into centric relation. It’s a natural physiological position that the patient should be able to find once those muscles are relaxed and the teeth are out of the way.

Why is it important to record centric jaw relation?

The rationale of recording Centric Relation records is to establish guidelines as starting point to develop occlusion with artificial teeth in harmony with the various structures of masticatory apparatus including TMJ. It aids to maintain physiologic as well as anatomic health of tissues.