On an articulator, what does condylar inclination represent?

Condylar inclination refers to the angle at which the mandibular condyles move during excursions, particularly in relation to the maxilla. This inclination plays a crucial role in determining how the maxillary and mandibular teeth articulate during functional movements such as protrusion and lateral excursions.

When establishing condylar inclination on an articulator, it reflects the patient's specific anatomical conditions and their unique mandibular movement patterns. This is particularly important when creating a prosthesis or assembling dental work to ensure that the movements are as natural and functional as possible.

In this context, the term "protrusive record" is directly related to the measurement of condylar inclination. It refers to the record taken when the jaw moves forward, which helps define the angle of inclination as it directly correlates to how the teeth contact during this movement. Understanding and accurately setting this inclination is essential for successful restorations and ensuring that the patient achieves a comfortable occlusion that mimics natural jaw movements.

Additional terms like maximum intercuspation and centric occlusion are critical for understanding dental relationships and occlusion, but they don't specifically address the angle of condylar movement in the same manner as the concept of protrusion. Functional movements encompass a broader range of actions that the