Abstract
The effect of a metal canine guidance on the activity of the masticatory muscles of a CMD patient with open bite was investigated. A few molar occlusal contacts were present in the habitual occlusion and the lateral gliding movement was guided by both working and balancing molars. Flat and steep metal canine guidances were made in order to exclude molar contacts during the lateral gliding movement. The EMG of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles and the MKG were recorded during the lateral gliding movement, lateral border movement and chewing, with and without the canine guidances.
The activities of the working side muscles reduced and the lateral border movement were stabilized with the canine guidances; but no remarkable differences in the muscles activities were observed among the different inclinations of the canine guidances. More rhythmical and less asymmetrical muscle activities during chewing were observed with the flat guidance than with the steep guidance or without metal guidance.
