A Study to Evaluate and Compare Right and Left Condylar Discrepancy between Centric Relation and Maximum Intercuspation in Three Age Groups

Abstract

<strong><em>Background</em>:</strong>Since discrepancy between centric relation and maximum intercuspation has been an area of interest for dental fraternity for decades, the study was conducted to expand the concepts of the same when age is taken into consideration.<p><strong>Objective:</strong> This study was conducted to assess and measure the discrepancy between centric relation (CR) and maximum intercuspation (MI) at right and left condyles in three age groups, compare the discrepancy at right and left condyles between three age groups and right and left side condyles within the same age group.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Sixty healthy subjects were selected and divided into three groups of twenty subjects each. Group I: 18-25 years, Group II: 30-45 years and Group III: more than fifty years. Preliminary impressions were made. Orientation relation was transferred to a semi-adjustable arcon articulator. Subjects were guided into centric relation using Dawson's bimanual manipulation technique and centric interocclusal record was made. The mandibular cast was related to the maxillary cast using centric interocclusal record. The casts were then allowed to fall into maximum intercuspation and the distance that the condylar analogues had moved was measured using Feeler gauge.</p><p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> The mean CR-MI discrepancy in Group I was 0.417±0.137 mm and 0.364±0.123 mm, Group II was 0.528±0.160 mm and 0.512±0.158 mm and Group III was 0.873±0.228 mm and 0.815±0.172 mm at the right and left condyles respectively.</p><p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> Within the limitations of the study it was concluded that all the sixty subjects had a CR-MI discrepancy in both left and right condyles. The variation in discrepancy between the three age groups was found to be very highly significant.</p>