Symmetry of horizontal and sagittal condylar path angles: an in vivo study.

The specific aims of the study were to determine (1) the mean condylar path inclination (CP) and Bennett angles (BA) in occlusally healthy dentate subjects and (2) whether there was right-left asymmetry of CP and BA. Eccentric movements of three mm and five mm from reference positions were recorded for 45 subjects using a Cadiax system. The mean right CP angles: 48.8 +/- 8 degrees (three mm) and 48.2 +/- 7 degrees (five mm); the mean left CP angles: 48.8 +/- 8 degrees (three mm) and 49.5 +/- 70 (5mm) were steeper than suggested means for setting articulators. The mean right BA: 7.7 +/- 3 degrees (3mm) and 7.9 +/- 4 degrees (five mm); and the mean left BA: 8.1 +/- 4 degrees (three mm) and 8.5 +/- 4 degrees (five mm) were lower than suggested means for setting articulators. Paired-t-tests showed no significant differences between right-left CP and right-left BA. These results suggest that current recommended average settings for semi-adjustable articulators for dentate individuals need to be reassessed.