On certain articulators, which determinant of occlusion is defined by the path along which the condyle moves within the fossa?

On certain articulators, which determinant of occlusion is defined by the path along which the condyle moves within the fossa?

• A. Bennet angle
• B. Incisal guidance
• C. Condylar guidance
• D. Christensen's Phenomenon

Answer: (C)

Condylar guidance is the path the mandibular condyle follows inside the glenoid fossa and along the articular eminence during jaw movements. This path is set by the anatomy of the TMJ—the slope of the articular eminence and the shape of the condyle—and it governs how the posterior teeth contact as the jaw moves. In articulator work, reproducing this condylar path helps predict the sequence and timing of posterior tooth contacts during movements like protrusion and lateral excursions. This determinant is distinct from incisal guidance (influence of the front teeth on guiding the bite) and from Bennet movement (the lateral translation of the mandible), and it underpins how the occlusion is governed by the joint's movement within the fossa.

Condylar guidance is the path the mandibular condyle follows inside the glenoid fossa and along the articular eminence during jaw movements. This path is set by the anatomy of the TMJ—the slope of the articular eminence and the shape of the condyle—and it governs how the posterior teeth contact as the jaw moves. In articulator work, reproducing this condylar path helps predict the sequence and timing of posterior tooth contacts during movements like protrusion and lateral excursions. This determinant is distinct from incisal guidance (influence of the front teeth on guiding the bite) and from Bennet movement (the lateral translation of the mandible), and it underpins how the occlusion is governed by the joint's movement within the fossa.