Date of Award

Spring 2008

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Bradley, Thomas G.

Second Advisor

Schuckit, William

Third Advisor

Liu, Dawei

Abstract

The definitive and most stable position of the mandibular condyle in the glenoid fossa has been a subject of great debate among dentists for some time. Various techniques to locate and identify CR have yielded unpredictable results. With the development of three-dimensional imaging technology (CBCT), accurate and reliable three-dimensional images can be obtained to locate and verify the actual position of the mandibular condyle in the glenoid fossa. The purpose of this study is to use these advanced techniques to identify the true condylar position, centric relation. 16 patients in the orthodontic clinic who have been selected for comprehensive orthodontic treatment were invited to participate in this study. Subjects sets of CBCT scans were taken on each patient, one in maximum intercuspation, and the other in a centric relation bite registration after neuromuscular deprogramming with a leaf gauge. Changes in condylar position from MI to CR were measured on the three-dimensional CBCT images. These positional changes were also compared to mandibular position indicator (MPI) values obtained from subject models mounted on a SAM II semi-adjustable articulator.

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