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Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question

A patient moves from maximum intercuspation to end-to-end (edge-to-edge) position. What happens at the condyles?

  1. One condyle rotates, the other translates
  2. Both condyles translate
  3. Neither condyle moves
  4. Both condyles rotate only
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Both condyles translate

  • A. One rotating + one translating condyle = LATERAL EXCURSION (working side condyle rotates/orbits; non-working side translates). Protrusion involves both condyles translating.
  • B. During PROTRUSION (movement from maximum intercuspation to edge-to-edge/protrusive position), BOTH condyles TRANSLATE (glide) forward along the articular eminence simultaneously. This is pure translatory movement. Contrast with LATERAL EXCURSION where one condyle rotates (working side) and the other translates (non-working side, Bennett movement).
  • C. Protrusive jaw movement absolutely involves condylar translation — neither condyle is stationary.
  • D. Pure condylar rotation (hinge movement) occurs only during the initial ~20-25mm of mouth opening (terminal hinge movement) — not during protrusion.

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