Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of occlusal interferences on the position of condyles.
Materials and methods: The study included 10 participants. All recordings of the condylar position were done using ultrasound jaw tracking device with six degrees of freedom. Paraocclusal tray was fixed in the lower jaw, and the artificial occlusal interference was made on the lower left second premolar with a composite resin, thickness of 1 mm. Condylar shift at the position of the occlusion with the artificial occlusal interference was measured using a jaw tracking device. Condylar positions were determined based on the Cartesian coordinate system. All deviations were measured according to a reference position which was the position of maximum intercuspation. Linear values of deviations between the reference position and the position of the occlusion with the occlusal interference were determined from the values of the Cartesian coordinate system.
Results: Average superior condylar shift was 0.17 mm, SD 0.39. Average linear deviation between the position of maximum intercuspation and the position of the occlusion with the occlusal interference was 0.48 mm (SD 0.29, min 0.17 mm, max 1.19 mm).
Conclusions: Occlusal interference leads to immediate change of the condylar position within the temporomandibular joint. Average values of determined superior condylar position confirm occurrence of lever within dental arches. The obtained results must be interpreted within the limitations of this study (immediate measurement of the condylar position). Further research is needed for the analysis of progression of the condylar position with occlusal interferences.
Keywords: condyle; occlusal interference; temporomandibular joint.