Centric Relation is the end point of closure of the mandible when the condyles are in which position?

Centric Relation is the end point of closure of the mandible when the condyles are in which position?

• A. Most posterior-inferior position
• B. Most anterior-superior position
• C. Resting position with tongue on palate
• D. Condyles in a mid-position

Answer: (B)

Centric relation is defined by the condyles being seated in the anterior-superior portion of the glenoid fossa, with the articular discs properly interposed between the condyle and fossa. This anterior-superior position is the reproducible end point of jaw closure in centric relation, independent of any tooth contact. The other positions don’t describe this seated condylar posture: a posterior-inferior position is back and down in the fossa, resting with the tongue on the palate is a relaxed, non-occluding position, and a mid-position is not the precise anterior-superior seating that defines centric relation.

Centric relation is defined by the condyles being seated in the anterior-superior portion of the glenoid fossa, with the articular discs properly interposed between the condyle and fossa. This anterior-superior position is the reproducible end point of jaw closure in centric relation, independent of any tooth contact. The other positions don’t describe this seated condylar posture: a posterior-inferior position is back and down in the fossa, resting with the tongue on the palate is a relaxed, non-occluding position, and a mid-position is not the precise anterior-superior seating that defines centric relation.