Mandibular movements.

The study of jaw movements or mandibular kinematics has important applications in many fields of clinical dentistry and provides a basis for modern concepts of dental occlusion. Movement patterns must be considered in conjunction with the mandibular articulation, the system of synovial joints, muscles and associated structures concerned with jaw suspension and jaw movements. Kinematics includes the study of articulating surfaces and the movements between them as well as the paths mapped out by a point on the moving bone. In this review, joint movements are considered from a theoretical approach based on the mechanics of articular surfaces, and by reference to recent experimental studies of condylar motion. Movements of the mandible are related to the envelope of motion traced out by the central incisor point. Attention is also given to border paths, reference positions and masticatory movements of the jaw.