Mandibular condyle: the jaw's point of articulation
Quick facts
- Definition
- Upper end of the ramus of the mandible, which articulates with the temporal bone.
- Joint
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), with an articular disc between the bones.
- Neighbor
- Coronoid process, at the other end of the ramus, where the temporalis muscle inserts.
- Relevance in HOF
- Sets the height of the ramus and the angle of the jaw; a joint complaint calls for its own assessment.
The mandibular condyle is the upper end of the ramus of the mandible, a rounded head that fits into the fossa of the temporal bone. Between the two bones there is an articular disc, and the whole forms the temporomandibular joint, the TMJ, the only movable joint of the head. At the other end of the ramus is the coronoid process, where the temporalis muscle inserts.
What is it for?
The condyle allows two main movements: rotation, to open the mouth, and translation, when the jaw glides forward. The pterygoid muscles, the masseter and the temporalis control these movements. The health of the joint influences chewing, speech and facial comfort.
Why does it matter for the shape of the face?
Growth of the condyle in childhood and adolescence helps set the height of the ramus. A short ramus, for example, tends to produce a more open mandibular angle and a less defined jawline. Growth asymmetries between the two sides also show in the contour of the face. HOF works on the soft tissue over this foundation and does not change the bone.
What about a complaint of joint pain?
Pain in front of the ear, clicking, limited opening or pain when chewing may point to TMD, temporomandibular disorder, often linked to bruxism. This picture calls for its own assessment, usually by a dentist or another qualified professional, and is not resolved with an aesthetic procedure.
In Harmy
The Jawline point simulates volume along the jaw line, on the front photo. The app does not assess the TMJ or the condyle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the condyle of the mandible?
It is the rounded tip of the ramus of the mandible that fits into the temporal bone, forming the temporomandibular joint. It allows you to open, close and move the mouth.
Does the condyle influence the shape of the face?
Yes, through growth and position. The height of the ramus, set partly by the condyle, affects the angle of the jaw and the contour of the lower third.