Abstract
Jaw movements have been analyzed widely in the past (1) for understanding the kinematics of jaw movements, (2) for porsthodontic reasons, and more recently (3) for diagnosing the stomatognathic function and evaluating the clinical outcome of treatment. However, there has been absence of the well-established measurement method of jaw movements that can satisfy dental clinicians. One of the reasons for the difficulties of studies on jaw movements is that they have to be measured and analysed in six degree of freedom. Furthermore a high-performance computer has been essential for studies of jaw movements including dynamic occlusion or occlusal contacts being made during jaw movement. The development of computer technology over recent years has made it possible for researchers to obtain useful information that is necessary and sufficient for studies on jaw movements.
I hope that the results of the past, present and future studies on jaw movements by many researchers will greatly contribute to improve the quality of life of patients with jaw movement-related problems in the near future.
