What is the Difference Between Centric Occlusion and Centric Relation?

The key difference between centric occlusion and centric relation is that centric occlusion refers to the tooth-to-tooth relationship in the mandibular and maxillary teeth when they are closed, while centric relation refers to the most retruded, unstrained position of the mandibular condyle within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Here are the main differences between centric occlusion and centric relation:

Definition: Centric occlusion is the position of maximal, bilateral, balanced contact between the cusps of the maxillary and mandibular arches. Centric relation is the most retruded, unstrained position of the mandibular condyle within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), that is, within the glenoid fossa.
Location: Centric occlusion takes place at the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Centric relation takes place at the maxillary and mandibular jaw joints.
Function: Centric occlusion is independent of the position of the jaw joint. The temporomandibular joint is not restricted to centric relation in function.

Similarities between centric occlusion and centric relation include:

Both are positions of teeth.
Both are related to the maxilla and mandible.
They apply minimum stress on the teeth and joints during movements.
They prevent the interference of rear teeth with muscle activity.

In summary, centric occlusion and centric relation are two types of relationships and positions of teeth that ensure proper functioning of the temporomandibular joint and minimize stress on the teeth and joints during movements.

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What is the Difference Between Centric Occlusion and Centric Relation?

Comparative Table: Centric Occlusion vs Centric Relation

The difference between centric occlusion and centric relation lies in their relationships with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the positions of the maxillary and mandibular jaw joints. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature	Centric Occlusion	Centric Relation
Definition	Centric occlusion is the functional relationship between the opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaws, allowing them to close together with minimal stress on the teeth and joints.	Centric relation is the bone-to-bone relationship with the jaw joints, specifically the maxillary and mandibular jaw joints. It is the position that the jaw seeks when the muscles are in a state of relaxation.
TMJ Relationship	Centric occlusion is independent of the position of the jaw joint.	Centric relation is not restricted to centric relation in function.
Occlusion	It is the habitual occlusion, and the head of the condyle is not necessarily in the most posterior position.	It is the most anterior aspect of the condyle's movement when it unloads through the path of least resistance.
Stress Application	Applies minimum stress on the teeth and joints during movements.	Does not apply minimum stress on the teeth and joints.
Muscle Activity	Prevents the interference of rear teeth with muscle activity.	Does not prevent muscle activity.

Both centric occlusion and centric relation are positions of teeth related to the maxilla and mandible, and they play a role in the occlusion of the teeth and the function of the temporomandibular joints.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.