Robert M. Ricketts and Rudolf Slavicek: dentistry by the rules of nature.

The stomatognathic structures act as a complex and integrated system, thereby accomplishing several essential functions of the body. Aside from participating in food digestion, they are key for respiration and swallowing and play a central role in social interaction and stress management. The lifeworks of Robert M.

Centric relation: A matter of form and substance.

The recent review article by Zonnenberg, Türp and Greene 'Centric relation critically revisited - What are the clinical implications'? opens an important debate by addressing topics of central relevance in Dentistry, namely the relationship between occlusion and the condyle-to-glenoid-fossa position, and the need for diagnostic assessment and therapeutic alteration of the condylar position in orthodontic patients. Zonnenberg, Türp and Greene concluded that the mandibular condyle is correctly situated in most orthodontic patients. Thus, in their view, orthodontists can disregard this aspect during treatment, and rely on the plastic properties of the masticatory supporting structures, while aiming at finishing the cases in a good occlusal relationship.