Physiology and Biomechanics of the Temporomandibular Joint

Maintenance of the Jaw Position The maintenance of mandible position depends on mandible reflexes and the action of gravity. It is also affected by an individual’s position / posture and specific variations which allow functional jaw movements to occur. WEB

The resting position of the jaw is called physiological non occlusion: In this position, the teeth are not in contact - they maintain a separation of around 2 mm, while the lips close the oral cavity without pressure The maintenance of this resting position is due to the jaw reflexes, as well as active and passive mechanisms. WEB and MILES