Abstract
Objective: To identify the effects of temporomandibular joint clicking on condylar movement in the morning.
Subjects and Methods: The study group consisted of 14 subjects: seven individuals with normal temporomandibular functions and seven individuals with unilateral temporomandibular joint clicking. As a maximum jaw opening and closing test, the subjects were instructed to open their mouth as wide as possible for one second and then to close their mouth for one second. The movements of the left and right condylar points during these actions were recorded. The test was administered twice: once in the morning and once in the evening of the same day, after which the results were compared and analyzed.
Results: We found that condylar movements were limited in the morning and the rate of movement was less stable in the clicking group of subjects.
Conclusion: The results suggest temporomandibular joint clicking not only limits condylar movement but also affects stability.
