Centric relation is defined as:

Centric relation is defined as:

• A. A maxillomandibular relationship independent of tooth contact, with condyles in the anterior-superior position
• B. The occlusion of opposing teeth when the mandible is in centric relation
• C. The complete intercuspation of the opposing teeth
• D. An untranslated hinge position about the transverse horizontal axis

Answer: (A)

Centric relation is the maxillomandibular relationship in which the condyles, with the discs properly positioned, are seated in the anterior‑superior portion of the glenoid fossae, independent of how the teeth contact each other. This definition emphasizes that CR is a joint position, not an occlusal outcome. It provides a reproducible reference for recording occlusion and planning restorations, even if the teeth are not currently in contact in that position. The other descriptions don’t fit because CR is not defined by tooth contact, not the complete intercuspation of the teeth, and not simply a hinge-axis position—the condyles in CR sit anteriorly and superiorly within the fossae and can involve some translation rather than a pure hinge movement.

Centric relation is the maxillomandibular relationship in which the condyles, with the discs properly positioned, are seated in the anterior‑superior portion of the glenoid fossae, independent of how the teeth contact each other. This definition emphasizes that CR is a joint position, not an occlusal outcome. It provides a reproducible reference for recording occlusion and planning restorations, even if the teeth are not currently in contact in that position. The other descriptions don’t fit because CR is not defined by tooth contact, not the complete intercuspation of the teeth, and not simply a hinge-axis position—the condyles in CR sit anteriorly and superiorly within the fossae and can involve some translation rather than a pure hinge movement.