Biomechanical model of the human mandible : a hypothesis involving stabilizing activity of the superior belly of lateral pterygoid muscle

A new biomechanical analog for the human mandible is proposed. The biomechanics of the human mandible can be explained by a simple support model, where muscular forces are produced by the masseter, medial pterygoid, temporal, and superior lateral pterygoid muscle components, and reaction forces are produced by the occlusal surfaces and condyle. All forces are resolved into components orthogonal and parallel to the temporal articular plane (articular eminence). In this model, one component of muscular forces is parallel to the temporal articular plane. The influence of the inclination of the occlusal plane, the inclination of the temporal articular plane, the position of the resultant of the occlusal reactions, and the relative contribution of the different jaw elevator muscles on the parallel and orthogonal components are evaluated according to a computer model of the system. The muscular force parallel to the temporal articular plane may be produced by the superior lateral pterygoid muscle, which during clenching acts as a stabilizer of the mandibular condyle to prevent posterior dislocation and compression of nonarticular tissues.