Dentistry’s Conundrum

Abstract

Gene McCoy

The Human Mastication System is the simplest of all our biological systems. Its primary purpose is to break down food as it begins its journey through the digestive system from mouth to anus. It consists of a movable mandible embedded with a u-shaped row of teeth opposing another u-shaped row of teeth in the maxilla. Cradled in a muscular sling, the mandible functions vertically in a slight elliptical motion toward the maxilla where opposing overlapping teeth mechanically break down boluses of food to begin the digestive process. The mandible’s condyles are articulated to the glenoid fossae of the maxilla insulated by cartilaginous discs, menisci. When full closure (occlusion) occurs, the condyles are comfortably seated in the anterior-superior position of their respective fossae: centric relation (CR). Other incomplete occlusions may occur due to swallowing anterior to CR depending on the posture of the body: centric occlusion (CO). When the mandible is not functioning and free from dysfunction, it rests with the teeth slightly apart.

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