Abstract
The long-term functional stability of the stomatognathic system during parafunctional movements such as nocturnal bruxism is determined by the following three factors: occlusal plane angle, occlusal height and tooth guidance in harmony with condylar movement. When treating malocclusion that was diagnosed to be inharmonious to the stomatognathic system based on signs such as TMJ disorders, hypersensitivity or abfraction of teeth, there were limitations in performing prosthodontic and splint therapy. In these circumstances, accurate diagnosis with proper understanding of the cause of malocclusion is often necessary before performing prosthodontic, conservative or orthodontic therapy. Based on the concept of Austrian gnathology which follows an occlusion theory that is more physiological than the past mechanistic gnathology and ideas of Slavicek (former Professor, University of Vienna) and Sato (Professor, Kanagawa Dental College), we document how we diagnosed malocclusion and recovered the biological functions of the maxillofacial system in low-angle Class III patients.
