The influence of different registration positions on condyle displacement in symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate effects of different registration positions on the condyle-disk position changes in the mandibular fossa in symptomatic individuals.

STUDY

DESIGN

Vertical and sagittal condyle position and thickness of the bilaminar zone were measured by magnetic resonance imaging during maximal intercuspation (MI) and with jigs in Gothic arch tracing guided centric relation (DIR method [Dynamics and Intraoral Registration]) and retruded contact position (RCP). Participants were 26 patients seeking treatment for temporomandibular disorders. Condyle and disk position in the fossa were calculated in the parasagittal plane.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found for MI, DIR, and RCP for thickness of bilaminar zone and sagittal condyle position, dependent on diagnosis and registration position for vertical and sagittal condyle position and thickness of bilaminar zone.

CONCLUSIONS

DIR position ensures the widest posterior space for the retrodiskal tissues and the slightest sagittal difference between condyle zenith and glenoid fossa.