The Muscle Engram: The Reflex That Limits Conventional Occlusal Treatment (Occlusion)
By CRANIO: The Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
- Release Date: 2011-10-01
- Genre: Engineering
Description
If occlusion is to be treated properly, we should be aware of everything that affects its success. This article is about the engram, the reflex that affects both the masticatory muscles and the occlusion-muscle relationship. This reflex limits the success of conventional occlusal treatment, an effect generally unrecognized. To first set the perspective regarding occlusion, one must accept the most basic ground rule--the teeth and their occlusion are but parts of a comprehensive stomatognathic system and that occlusion should be optimally in harmony with all the system's other elements. (1-3) This obviously includes the stomatognathic muscles. This article concerns the muscle-occlusal relationship. In this, the engram plays a major role. It is in large part responsible for the major limitation existing in conventional treatment of occlusion. (It is recognized that the temporomandibular joints are also important in stomatognathic function. This article, however, limits itself to consideration of the muscle-occlusion relationship.)
