An analysis of tooth position on initial tooth contact

Summary A closed circuit television movement detector was used to study mandibular movement in the form of tooth tapping, in subjects with no apparent dental disease or malocclusion. The velocity and form of various phases of movement was studied, in the transverse, sagittal and coronal planes, from measurements made on u.v. charts and X‐Y recordings. It was shown that closing movements were more direct and faster than opening movements; that initial contact on closing is in a well‐defined contact area, followed by a sliding of cusps over each other to a final centric position and that the closing path of the mandible in tapping movements is in the form of a smooth curve showing simple axis rotation through distances normally greater than those accepted clinically. It was also shown that microphone signals can be detected at times other than when normally expected, indicating displacement with tooth contact, at times other than at the fully intercuspated position.