Working condylar movement and its effects on posterior occlusal morphology.

The movement of the mesiolingual cusp of the maxillary left first molar was studied in the frontal and horizontal planes. The movement was studied while varying the top wall, rear wall, and incisal guidance on the articulator. It can be concluded that the top wall inclination may significantly influence movement of the mesisolingual cusp of the maxillary first molar during working mandibular movement, the rear wall inclination has less influence than top wall inclination on cusp movement during a working mandibular movement, and the working side condylar movement should be considered when evaluating or restoring the dentition.