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Review
. 2021 Sep;48(9):1050-1055.
doi: 10.1111/joor.13215. Epub 2021 Jul 3.

Centric relation critically revisited-What are the clinical implications?

Adriaan J J Zonnenberg  1 , Jens Christoph Türp  2 , Charles S Greene  3
Affiliations
Review

Centric relation critically revisited-What are the clinical implications?

Adriaan J J Zonnenberg et al. J Oral Rehabil. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of the article: Centric relation is a dental term that has undergone many alterations over the years, which in turn have led to significant clinical controversies. These continuing changes in the meaning of the term CR have not only led to confusion, but they also have resulted in a variety of unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Analysis of the dental literature reveals ongoing misunderstanding and disagreement regarding that term among both clinicians and academic dentists.

Materials and methods: A search of the PubMed database was performed with the following search terms: "centric relation", "masticatory muscles", "maxillomandibular relationship" and "condylar position." Relevant literature from the past 70 years until the present day was meticulously scrutinised.

Results: As expected, the literature review on the topic of CR revealed a problematic pattern of changing definitions and clinical disagreements, all of which have had a significant impact on the practice of dentistry.

Conclusion: There are semantic, conceptual and practical reasons for concluding that the term 'centric relation' is flawed. Those flaws have a significant impact on dental practice. Based on our analysis, argumentation is provided to conclude that the term 'centric relation' should be abandoned. Instead, it appears that every individual has a unique temporomandibular joint relationship which cannot be described by any singular term. In healthy dentate patients, this relationship is determined by the maximum intercuspation of the teeth and should therefore be considered as biologically acceptable.

Keywords: centric relation; condylar position; maximum intercuspation.

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References

REFERENCES

    1. The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms: 9th Edition. J Prosthet Dent;117(5), e1-e105.
    1. Greene CS. “The Ball on the Hill” a new perspective on TMJ functional anatomy. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2018;21:170-174.
    1. Stallard H. Functions of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. J Am Dent Assoc. 1926;13:1391-1412.
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    1. Okeson JP. Management of temporomandibular disorders and occlusion, 8th edn. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby (Elsevier); 2020.

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