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Many authors consider that the contours and dimensions of TMJ continue to be reshaped and remodeled even after the period of growth and development is complete, in response to changing mechanical stresses under influence of aging, abrasion and the loss of the teeth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find out if aging and the loss of teeth make any influence on TMJ. The sample consisted of 80 dry skulls and their mandibles. The following parameters were measured: 1A (AB) the distance from the lateral ending of petrotympanic fissure to the intersection of petrotympanic and petrosquamosus fissure, 1B (BC) the distances from the intersection of petrotympanic and petrosquamosus fissure to the most prominent part of the articular eminence, 1C (AC) the distance from the lateral ending of petrotympanic fissure to the most prominent part of articular eminence and 2 (h) the depth of the mandibular fossa. Measured values were analysed in connection with sex, age, the different percentage of the remaining teeth and the left or the right side. There was no significant difference at the probability level of 95%, nor for the left and the right side, neither for the different age groups, sex and the different percentage of the remaining teeth (p greater than 0.05). Still, it is obscure the existence and the changes in TMJ when the growth is completed. It is necessary to study this problem on the bigger sample and the new methods as CT and artroscopy could be helpful.

Correct determination of the occlusal plane is important for estetic, phonetic and masticatory function of the denture. As many different criterias are used in clinical practice to determine the occlusal plane on the wax rims, the aim of this study was to find the angle between the occlusal plane and the horizontal plane in the articulators with the quick mounting face bow. The measurements were made on the casts of 30 eugnath individuals with at least 28 natural teeth, mounted in S.A.M. articulator through the transfer with the Quick mounting face bow, in the position of maximum intercuspation. Measurements were made with a precise caliper and were transferred to the calibrated paper. The angles were measured between the occlusal plane and the horizontal plane. The angle is 9.42 degrees +/- 4.1 degrees in the population of this country. This result can be helpful to determine the occlusal plane or to control if the occlusal plane, determined by the other methods is in the correct position in articulator.