Abstract: A new method for positioning the maxilla and condyle after Le Fort I osteotomy maintains the patient's vertical dimension (ie, the relation of the mandible to the skull above the osteotomy plane) in the preoperative and postoperative positions during both cast surgery and actual surgery. During surgery the condylar positioning appliance is fixed to the anterolateral zygoma and the lateral cortex of the mandibular ramus bilaterally to orient the mandible in centric relation. The condylar positioning appliance is used with the three-dimensional double splint method. Two prefabricated splints enable three-dimensional positioning of the maxilla in the fixed mandibular position during surgery. Postoperatively, the mandible can be rotated into the new centric occlusion.

Abstract: Each patient with a small mandible presents an occlusal pattern that differs from most of the criteria established for a class I occlusion. The components of a class II occlusion are unlike other occlusions. The anterior teeth do not provide the protection and guidance normally provided by horizontal and vertical overlap. The posterior teeth bear the full force of occlusion. Protrusive movement is the dominant and the most used movement. The posterior teeth must function from centric relation forward to an anterior separation. Most of the posterior teeth exhibit balancing contacts. This occlusion is a type of bilateral balanced occlusion. Greater interocclusal clearance must be provided and tested for adequacy of space during speech and function. A class II occlusion is a most exacting occlusion. The controlling factors are the posterior determinants of occlusion.

Abstract: A study of the masticatory performance of 30 patients with balancing contacts in centric relation was compared with an equal number of patients with balancing contacts in both centric and eccentric relations. The study failed to show any significant difference between masticatory performance of the two groups.

Abstract: To obtain centric relation and program recordings, a universal jig was made to be molded after adjustment to the upper incisors by means of dental plaster. The jig can be produced by means of an autopolymerizing resin mold based on the wax model. Once the jig is in position, the patient is asked to produce left and right lateral movements until muscular relaxation is obtained. This allows centric relation to be recorded by whatever method used. After plaster has been injected on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, the patient is asked to close his jaws on the jig and to perform either a propulsion movement or a left -or right-lateral movement so as to obtain two plaster “bites” ready for the programming of semiajustable articulators.

Abstract: According to literature, it is difficult to make an early correct diagnosis and treatment of the intracapsular condylar vertical fracture The author recently suggested a new method to diagnose and treat this kind of fracture with an optimal result The diagnostic and treatment procedures are: 1 To take a condylo-pterygo-maxillo-oblique tomography which can clearly demonstrate the position of the bone fragment 2 To remove the bone fragment by submandibular incision with an oblique osteotomy of the posterior part of the ramus Therefore the secondary injury to the disk and the superior cavity could be avoided that is essential for TMJ reconstruction 3 To reconstruct the TMJ after condyloplasty under the centric relation Eight cases were successfully treated by this method In this paper the details of the operation are described and discussed