gnathology

Gnathology is the study of the functional aspects of the stomatognathic system, including the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, teeth, and related structures. The term derives from Greek gnathos meaning “jaw” and logos meaning “study.” It focuses on jaw movements, occlusion, and the neuromuscular coordination underlying chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

The scope of gnathology encompasses diagnosis, understanding of normal and abnormal jaw function, and the planning of dental rehabilitation. It informs prosthodontic, orthodontic, and restorative treatment by aiming to establish harmonious relationships among hard tissues, soft tissues, and the neuromuscular system. Clinicians use gnathology concepts to assess bite registration, range of motion, and functional paths of movement, with the goal of achieving stable occlusion that supports joint health and comfortable function.

Methods and tools commonly associated with gnathology include recording jaw movements with facebows and articulators, creating bite registrations, analyzing occlusal contacts, and sometimes using electromyography or other monitoring techniques. Imaging and dynamic analysis can supplement functional assessment. Practitioners may employ splints or occlusal adjustments as part of treatment, particularly in the management of temporomandibular disorders or during rehabilitative procedures.

Historically, gnathology developed as a framework for understanding functional occlusion and jaw mechanics in dentistry, though its methods and emphasis have evolved. Modern practice often integrates gnathological principles with contemporary evidence-based approaches, prioritizing patient symptoms, joint health, and functional harmony rather than prescriptive “ideal” occlusion.