A magnetic resonance imaging study of centric maxillomandibular relation.

The authors conducted research to determine the structural relationships of the craniomandibular articulation that resulted when a mandibular reference position was established. A noninvasive clinical method was used to identify and record centric maxillomandibular relation in normal subjects and a suitable reference position in subjects with derangements of the craniomandibular articulation. The reference positions were checked for repeatability. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the intraarticular relationships resulting from application of the clinical techniques. The normal subjects conformed well to the 1987 "Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms" definition, with the mandible close to first-tooth contact. In subjects with deranged articulations, the condyle was always in an abnormal relationship on the affected side in the reference position, and there were many intersubject variations.