Changes in the rabbit temporomandibular joint associated with posterior displacement of the mandible.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the changes in temporomandibular joint tissues, in particular the disc and its attachments, associated with muscle-powered continuous posterior displacement of the mandible for 33 days. After measurement of incisal relationships, food and water consumption, histologic and morphometric analysis, and radiologic data, it was determined that spatial relationships of joint tissues were altered. Mandibular retrusion leads to alteration in disc morphology and induces anterior positioning of the disc relative to the condylar head. Nutritional intake was disrupted by distal displacement crowns placed on the maxillary incisor teeth.