Ojectives: a pre-experimental study was performed to identify variations in the condylar centric position and in the condylar dynamic during mouth opening, using an anterior occlusal device (Lucia´s modified Jig), according time of use. Method: 15 healthy subjects were asked to wear a Lucia´s modified Jig (Jig). At the beginning of the proceed (T0), at 18 hours (T1), at 72 hours (T2) and at 7 days (T3), the centric-condilar pattern, vertical and horizontal condylar displacement during opening, and the pattern and degree of mandibular opening were recorded. For data collection an ultrasound axiograph (ARCUS digma™) was used. To test the null hypothesis Mc-Nemar and Friedman analysis was performed. Results: Subjects modified the type of the centric pattern of both joints, which changed from an arch to a punctiform shape. The maximum change was registered at T1. Conclusion: Considering condilar rotation and horizontal tranlation, in healthy subjects without temporomandibular disorders, the use of a modified Lucia Jig for 18 hours, allows the generation of a punctiform shape pattern of centric condylar dynamics, which means an arc type movement generated within an area of 1mm2.

Introduction: the dorsal projection of the occlusal plane and its inclination in relation to the skull base are essential to generate a simple cephalometric analysis for physical therapists. Methods: descriptive study on teleradiography of complete skull profile of 124 patients. The place of projection of the theoretical occlusal plane over the cervical co-lumn was determined, and the angulation was measured in regard to the line c1 of the Delaire’s Architectural and Structural Analysis (dasa). The results were analyzed according to gender and skeletal types defined in the same analysis. A simple analysis was proposed to determine the position of the occlusal plane regarding the cervical column and the base of the skull and facial height (occlusometry). The occlusometry was validated by contrasting it with the complete dasa. Results: from a total of 164 patients, 68 projected the occlusal plane over the inferior portion of the atlas and 36 over the atlas-axis articulation. In relation to the angle of occlusal plane with c1, the values obtained between 7 and 14 grades were an average of 9,8º and a trend of 10º. No difference was observed between skeletal types or gender. An analysis was proposed that was termed occlusometry. Conclusion: the occlusal plan tends to maintain a stable position in space, which allows a study of teleradiography, validated and useful to determine the position of the occlusal plane within the limits of the vertical occlusal dimension.

Pain in the muscles of mastication, limited opening, asymmetric jaw movement, and sounds in the TMJ, among others symptoms are some clinical characteristics of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It is a complain in subjects of both sexes, different ages and occlusal conditions. Objective: To determine the most frequent pathology and temporomandibular symptomatology in elderly edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: 30 consecutive subjects,25 female and five men older than 65 ys (70.8±5.7), all edentulous and wearing prosthesis were recruited according inclusion criteria. Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) questionnaire and examination form were applied to determine axis I temporomandibular disorders and symptomatology, and axis II behavioral conditions. Results:From the total sample (30), 28 subjects (93%) presented at least one or more symptoms of TMD but not necessary were diagnosed with a specific pathology. According axis I, two subjects presented pathology corresponding to group 1 (7%), five to group 2 (23%), and 11 to group 3 (37%). Respect to RDC/TMD axis II, 20% of the sample showed some chronic pain degree, and 73% had some tendency to depression. Conclusion: Elderlyedentulous examined showed a high frequency of temporomandibular symptoms. This situation is not necessarily an indicator of a dysfunctional pathology diagnosed under the context of the RDC / TMD. The high index of depression tendency, not only is due to TMD, and could be a result of edentulism or another situation.