Jaw Deviation or Deflection?
How to evaluate the mandibular opening pattern. Learn how a jaw opening movement may guide your examination, influence treatment planning, and point to the next clinical question.
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The same pre-recorded lecture is offered at each scheduled time. This is not a live presentation.
The opening path can change the way you read the case.
The patient's opening path can provide important information before the dentist evaluates a single tooth. A deviation that returns toward the midline differs from a deflection that remains to one side, and that difference may shape the next step in the examination.
In this lecture, Dr. Agatha Bis explains how to observe the opening path from the correct position, document mandibular movement consistently, and connect the pattern to range of motion, end feel, coordination, restriction, muscle activity, joint function, and asymmetry.
Explore the relationship between opening pattern, clicking, locking, and limited opening. Learn why the movement cannot create a diagnosis by itself, yet may influence restorative, orthodontic, or appliance treatment-planning decisions when interpreted with other clinical findings.
Three clinical learning objectives.
Differentiate deviation from deflection during the mandibular opening movement.
Observe and document mandibular movement consistently during a chairside examination.
Use the opening pattern to guide additional examination and treatment-planning decisions.
Dr. Agatha Bis
Founder, BIS Institute
Dr. Agatha Bis has over 30 years of clinical experience, with a strong clinical focus on TMJ and TMD management, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Her teaching emphasizes understanding the underlying cause of clinical problems so dentists can make more informed treatment decisions.
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Register for this free, pre-recorded clinical lecture. Select the viewing time that works for you. After registering, check your email for the viewing-room link and access instructions. If you do not receive it, please contact BIS Institute.
The Deviation vs. Deflection Chairside Guide
A practical reference to help you distinguish deviation from deflection, document the opening pattern, and connect the movement to other clinical findings.
After watching the lecture, you will be able to download this complimentary resource from the lecture viewing room.
A small movement can change the whole case.
This movement check is one example of how a small clinical observation can change the way you understand a case.
Inside the Clinical Confidence Membership, dentists continue developing that clinical lens through practical lessons, case discussions, and live Study Club sessions.
On-demand education · Case-based learning · Live Study Club sessions
Explore the Clinical Confidence Membership ↗Recognize what the opening pattern may be telling you.
Join Dr. Bis for a free prerecorded dental CE lecture about deviation, deflection, and how mandibular movement can guide a better examination.
Register for the lecturePre-recorded lecture · 8 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, or 8 PM EST