Slide in Centric on a Random Sample of Students of the School of Medicine in Split

Abstract

Introduction: A slide in centric is defined as a slide from centric relation to maximum intercuspation. Understanding contact between natural teeth is important for longevity of the stomatognathic system, diagnosis and therapy planning. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in the length of slide in centric in population according to dental status, sex and previous orthodontic therapy.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 33 students at the University of Split, School of Medicine (dental study).

Results: Slide values do not follow normal or Gaussian distribution according to the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (p<0.05). For that reason, they were represented by the median as a measure of central tendency. The arithmetic mean of a slide in centric is 0.95 mm ± 0.47 mm. A slide in centric was not present in only 10% of the subjects. A slide between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm to maximum intercuspation was present in 90% of the examinees. There was no statistically significant difference in the length of slide between the subjects who had all teeth and those who had missing teeth 1-4 (z= 0.507; p= 0.612). There was no significant difference in the length of slide between women and men (z= 0, p=1). There was no significant difference in the length of slide between the patients who underwent orthodontic therapy and those who did not (z=0.253; p=0.800).

Conclusion: There is some controversy about slide in centric and its etiological role in the development of temporomandibular disorders. Slide in centric is very significant because it indicates occlusal instability and can eventually lead to temporomandibular dysfunction, which do not have to be of the same aetiology.