Effect of changing the direction of the force vector of the mandible in relation to the skull base: study in rabbits

The temporomandibular joint has a great capacity for functional adaptation. The aim of this study was to evaluate, bilaterally, the influence of unilateral modification of the direction of the mandibular force vector in relation to the skull base in rabbits. Thirty New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15/group): test (modification of the mandibular force vector) and control (no modification of the mandibular force vector). The animals were killed at 20, 40, and 60 days postoperatively. Histomorphometric evaluation of the temporal and condylar joint structures bilaterally always showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the test and control groups on both sides of the TMJ. The results demonstrate that the rabbit temporal bone and mandibular condyle showed significant adaptive capacity as a biological response to mechanical forces on both the operated and opposite sides.