What term refers to the distal space between occlusal surfaces when the mandible is protruded?

What term refers to the distal space between occlusal surfaces when the mandible is protruded?

• A. Bennet angle
• B. Canine guidance
• C. Horizontal condylar inclination
• D. Christensen's Phenomenon

Answer: (D)

During forward (protrusive) movement of the mandible, the anterior teeth guide the slide and maintain contact, while the posterior teeth separate. This creates a distal gap between the posterior occlusal surfaces, known as Christensen's Phenomenon. It specifically describes the posterior disclusion that occurs with protrusion. This differs from Bennet angle, which relates to the sideways (lateral) movement of the mandible; canine guidance emphasizes the role of canines in disoccluding posterior teeth during lateral movement; and horizontal condylar inclination concerns the condyle’s path angle in the horizontal plane.

During forward (protrusive) movement of the mandible, the anterior teeth guide the slide and maintain contact, while the posterior teeth separate. This creates a distal gap between the posterior occlusal surfaces, known as Christensen's Phenomenon. It specifically describes the posterior disclusion that occurs with protrusion.

This differs from Bennet angle, which relates to the sideways (lateral) movement of the mandible; canine guidance emphasizes the role of canines in disoccluding posterior teeth during lateral movement; and horizontal condylar inclination concerns the condyle’s path angle in the horizontal plane.