RC- IC discrepancy

- This is where the bite of comfort (IC) doesn't coincide with the best fit in the TM joint (RC) resulting in 2 different bites
- IC (maximum intercuspation) is where the teeth fit best - in this bite of comfort the jaw joint is in the incorrect position
- RC (retruded contact) where the TM joint is in the 'home' position but the teeth don't fit together nicely
- Patients must learn how to check their own bite in RC
- This is done by biting on back teeth with the tip of the tongue far back on palate and the head tipped backwards
- This RC-IC discrepancy is sometimes very difficult to detect and may only be discovered after some months of treatment
- This can sometimes lead to a different treatment plan being recommended if it is only discovered during treatment
- For example a patient who has an RC-IC discrepancy of more than 3 mm may need jaw surgery at the end of growth
- Jaw surgery is a choice and some patients choose to rather live with an imperfect bite and or profile