The key difference between centric occlusion and centric relation is that centric occlusions take place at the maxillary and mandibular teeth, while centric relation takes place at the maxillary and mandibular jaw joints.
Teeth usually occur in harmony with temporomandibular joints. This results in the application of minimum stress on the teeth and joints with a minimum effort expended by the neuromuscular system to produce and help with movements. If the teeth are not in harmony with the temporomandibular joints, there is an interference in the movements of the mandible. Centric occlusion and centric relation are two types of relationships and positions of teeth with relation to maxilla and mandible. However, the temporomandibular joint is not restricted to centric relation in function, while centric occlusion is independent of the position of the jaw joint.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Centric Occlusion
3. What is Centric Relation
4. Similarities – Centric Occlusion and Centric Relation
5. Centric Occlusion vs Centric Relation in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Centric Occlusion vs Centric Relation
What is Centric Occlusion?
Centric occlusion is a relationship of the opposing teeth. It is observed in mandibular and maxillary teeth when they are closed or when the teeth of the mandibular arch come into contact with the teeth of the maxillary arch. In other words, it is a maxillomandibular tooth relationship when the mandible is in the terminal hinge position.
Central occlusion describes the position of the lower jaw when the teeth come together when biting. It is also known as the intercuspation of opposing teeth or maximum intercuspation (MIP). Central occlusion is independent of the jaw joint position. This position is fundamental to the study of functional movements of the mandible and relates to all factors of occlusion. Centric occlusion is a stable occlusion and prevents the rubbing or interference of rear teeth since the interference increases in the rear teeth with muscle activity. The occlusion technique is usually used to examine large areas of the lower and upper jaw and the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth.
What is Centric Relation?
Centric relation is a bone to bone relationship. This is the relationship between the maxilla and the mandible when the condyles are in the rear upper midmost in the glenoid fossae. Therefore, it is the relationship where the condyle is in a hinge position. This position is used in the restoration of edentulous patients with either removable or implant-supported hybrid or fixed prostheses. The condyles are positioned at the same place by dentists if it is moved to the most superior and anterior position within the fossa.
Centric relation is a physiologic position used for reproducibility. It is the midmost position since condyle discs are placed medially at the most superior position. A condyle disc that is properly aligned in central relation resists the maximum loading by elevator muscles without discomfort. In addition, centric relation also allows the most repeatable and recordable positions that are used when designing an appropriate occlusion. There are several methods of recording centric relation, including physiological methods, functional methods, graphic methods, and radiographic methods.
What are the Similarities Between Centric Occlusion and Centric Relation?
- Centric occlusion and centric relations are positions of teeth.
- Both are related to the maxilla and mandible.
- They apply minimum stress on the teeth and joints during movements.
- They prevent the interference of rear teeth with muscle activity.
What is the Difference Between Centric Occlusion and Centric Relation?
Centric occlusions take place at the maxillary and mandibular teeth, while centric relation takes place at the maxillary and mandibular jaw joints. Thus, this is the key difference between centric occlusion and centric relation. Centric occlusion is the functional relationship between teeth while centric relation is a bone-to-bone relationship with jaw joints. Moreover, centric occlusion is independent of the jaw joint position, whereas centric relation is independent of the temporomandibular function.
The below infographic presents the differences between centric occlusion and centric relation in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Centric Occlusion vs Centric Relation
Centric occlusion is the tooth to tooth relationship in mandibular and maxillary teeth when they are closed or when teeth of the mandibular arch come into contact with the teeth of the maxillary arch in any functional relationship. Centric relation is the bone-to-bone relationship between the maxilla and the mandible when the condyles are in the rear upper midmost in the glenoid fossae. Centric occlusions take place at the maxillary and mandibular teeth, while centric relation takes place at the maxillary and mandibular jaw joints. Centric relation is independent of the temporomandibular function, whereas centric occlusion is independent of the jaw joint position. So, this summarizes the difference between centric occlusion and centric relation.
Reference:
1. Newell, WoodD.D.S.1, et al. “Centric Occlusion, Centric Relation, and the Mandibular Posture.” The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Mosby, 21 Nov. 2006.
2. “Centric Relation.” An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Figure 38 01 05” By CNX OpenStax – (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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