Posterior occlusal support and bite force influence on the mandibular position

Three-dimensional mandibular displacement related to loss of posterior occlusal support was investigated. Five subjects, whose mandibular premolars and molars needed to be restored, were selected. Their experimental prostheses were removed in sequence from the most posterior to anterior. The more the absence of posterior occlusal support increased, the more condylar displacements were increased. On the other hand, maximum bite forces were decreased, by removing each prosthesis in sequence from posterior to anterior. These results suggest that condylar position would be easily displaced with low level bite force following loss of posterior occlusal support.