Click "Play" button above to view a thumbnail demo animation. Actual BiteFX animations are viewable in full screen mode with fine control over the playing speed – whether forward, backward or frame by frame.

13. Bruxing with Muscles Close Up

Grinding motion with muscles. Close-up view that omits the temporalis

Purposes

  • Show the bruxing motion with muscles and disc.
  • Identify why bruxing leads to tooth sensitivity, wear and looseness.
  • Illustrate why bruxing can be the cause of sore facial muscles.



Each animation includes supporting photos and is equipped with detailed clinical notes

Presenting

  • Point out the condyle is not fully seated (is not in centric relation).
  • Explain that if the bite came together when the jaw was fully seated, then there would be no need to brux.
  • Point out how opposite muscles have to be tense (contracted) to hold the condyle on the slope of the eminence (in a sense they are "at war").
  • Show that as the condyle goes to CR the lateral pterygoids release.
  • Explain that this motion will lead to tooth sensitivity, wearing, looseness, fracturing and breaking.
  • Click the Loop button down, then click the Play button to have the bruxing occur continually - just as it will when the client is asleep.
  • Continual motion illustrates why muscles will be sore in the morning.