Journal of Craniomandibular Function, 04/2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for cervical (wedge-shaped) lesions on teeth. It uses dental and medical variables obtained in a population-based sample of the cross-sectional epidemiological study "Study of Health in Pomerania" (SHIP). Medical history, dental, and sociodemographic parameters of 2,707 representatively selected subjects 20 to 59 years of age with more than four natural teeth were checked for associations, with the occurrence of wedge-shaped lesions using a 2-level logistic regression model on a tooth and a subject level. The estimated risk of developing wedgeshaped lesions generally increased with age. The following independent variables were associated with the occurrence of wedge-shaped lesions: buccal recession of the gingiva (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7); occlusal wear facets of scores 1, 2 and 3 (OR = 1.5, 1.9, 1.9); tilted teeth (OR = 1.4); inlays (OR = 1.6); tooth brushing behavior (OR = 1.9 to 2.0) (two and three times daily vs. once a day). The results of this risk analysis indicated that the etiology of wedge-shaped lesions is multifactorial. The development of wedge-shaped lesions probably results from the interaction of occlusal forces, which may produce a flexural load on the teeth, and the abrasion of hard tooth substance caused by tooth brushing. Factors influencing occlusion included inlays and altered tooth positions. Keywords: abfraction, non-carious cervical lesion, wedge-shaped lesion, tooth brushing, epidemiology, SHIP, cross-sectional

Over the past decades, although new and often complicated techniques and devices for transferring functional parameters from the patient to an articulator have been developed, there is a lack of generally accepted methods enabling the correct positioning and alignment of anterior teeth in an articulator from an esthetic point of view. The range of options spans simple methods, such as marking casts with reference lines, taking impressions of temporaries previously optimized in the patient's mouth or adjusting an occlusal registration rim with the Candulor bite fork, to more sophisticated technical solutions. This paper will describe and assess the latter with respect to their practicability. Keywords: facial asymmetry, occlusal plane, articulator, anterior esthetics, facebow, linefinder

In relevant literature, the subject of occlusion and etiopathogenetic factor for TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is controversially discussed. The position of the condyle amid the fossa articularis is questionable in the same way, since static occlusion defines the position of the condyle in ICP (intercuspation position). Using optoelectronic measurement devices with a resolving capacity more than MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), the so-called functional joint space is defined, and within its limits the condyles must be arranged. This space could be represented by passive manipulations coming from ICP of the probands, measured by condylography, as passive movement capacity in all dimensions. The passive manipulations were achieved in retral, cranial and medial direction with a force of 0.5-1 N. Probands whose condyles were located in the center of the functional joint space, had shown physiologic jaw movements and were free from symptoms of TMD syndrome. The study of 50 TMD patients has shown quite another characteristic. The manner of condylar movement was dysfunctional, and the direction of the condylar movement capacity amid the fossa articularis was different. Thus the importance of the position of the condyle in the development of TMD is obvious and also according to this, the role of static occlusion. In addition, as secondary cognition this article will accentuate the role of computerized condylography in diagnostics and therapy of TMD. Keywords: computer-assisted examination, condylar position analysis, TMD, functional joint space

The FGP (Functionally Generated Path) technique is a method for the intraoral recording of the three-dimensional movements of the mandible. It is used for the rehabilitation of entire quadrants, provided sufficient anterior-canine guidance is present. The FGP technique adapted from Dr. A. Griesbeck is suitable for crowns, bridges, and inlays. If the "precision chain" is not interrupted and a verticulator is used, the method allows the generation of extremely precise occlusal surfaces that do not require any chairside adjustments. Keywords: FGP technique, FGP records, FGP index, verticulator, occlusion, quadrant rehabilitation, intraoral registration