Masticationpedia

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{{main menu}}{{ArtBy|autore=Gianni Frisardi}}
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{{ArtBy|autore=Gianni Frisardi}}
==Abstract==
==Abstract==
[[File:Occlusal Centric view in open and cross bite patient.jpg|350x350px|left]]"Masticationpedia" provides an in-depth analysis of paradigm shifts in the realm of dentistry and masticatory rehabilitation, rooted in Thomas Kuhn's seminal theories on scientific revolutions. According to Kuhn, scientific progress is not linear but is marked by episodic paradigm shifts that disrupt normal scientific activities and lead to profound changes in prevailing theories and practices. These paradigm shifts are critical junctures where existing anomalies in the normal science become insurmountable, prompting the scientific community to adopt new frameworks that radically alter the conceptual landscape<ref>{{cita libro | autore = Kuhn Thomas S | titolo = The Structure of Scientific Revolutions | url = https://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/S/bo13179781.html | anno = 2012 | editore = University of Chicago Press | città = Chicago | ISBN = 9780226458120 }}</ref>.
[[File:Occlusal Centric view in open and cross bite patient.jpg|350x350px|left]]"Masticationpedia" provides an in-depth analysis of paradigm shifts in the realm of dentistry and masticatory rehabilitation, rooted in Thomas Kuhn's seminal theories on scientific revolutions. According to Kuhn, scientific progress is not linear but is marked by episodic paradigm shifts that disrupt normal scientific activities and lead to profound changes in prevailing theories and practices. These paradigm shifts are critical junctures where existing anomalies in the normal science become insurmountable, prompting the scientific community to adopt new frameworks that radically alter the conceptual landscape<ref>{{cita libro | autore = Kuhn Thomas S | titolo = The Structure of Scientific Revolutions | url = https://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/S/bo13179781.html | anno = 2012 | editore = University of Chicago Press | città = Chicago | ISBN = 9780226458120 }}</ref>.
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Overall, "Masticationpedia" challenges conventional dental practices and scientific approaches, proposing an integrated model that enhances understanding and treatment of masticatory disorders. It calls for rethinking the foundations of dental science, advocating for a holistic, integrated, and patient-focused approach that embraces the complexities of human health. This vision is supported by a robust critique of traditional methodologies and a call for embracing new, interdisciplinary paradigms that can lead to significant advancements in dental science and patient care.
Overall, "Masticationpedia" challenges conventional dental practices and scientific approaches, proposing an integrated model that enhances understanding and treatment of masticatory disorders. It calls for rethinking the foundations of dental science, advocating for a holistic, integrated, and patient-focused approach that embraces the complexities of human health. This vision is supported by a robust critique of traditional methodologies and a call for embracing new, interdisciplinary paradigms that can lead to significant advancements in dental science and patient care.
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{{main menu}}
{{ArtBy|autore=Gianni Frisardi}}
==Abstract==
[[File:Occlusal Centric view in open and cross bite patient.jpg|350x350px|left]]The introduction of Masticationpedia offers a deep and complex analysis on themes that span the evolution of science, with a particular focus on medicine and dentistry. It begins by examining the epistemological transformation of science through the lens of Kuhn's paradigms, emphasizing the importance of paradigmatic changes that science, including dentistry, has experienced and continues to experience. The document outlines the stages of paradigmatic change proposed by Kuhn, applying them to the field of dentistry, where it highlights a paradigmatic crisis that calls for an evolution towards new paradigms, especially in masticatory rehabilitation. The discussion extends to epistemology, considering how science acquires knowledge and addresses the issue of the verifiability of scientific theories. A critical emphasis is placed on the use and interpretation of the P value in scientific statistics, highlighting the ongoing debate about its reliability as an indicator.
The text strongly emphasizes the crucial role of interdisciplinary research, proposing the use of "metacognitive scaffolds" to overcome communicative difficulties between different disciplines. It proposes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding masticatory disorders, particularly malocclusion, which is explored not only from the traditional orthodontic perspective but also through a broader lens that considers the masticatory system as a whole.


Through the examination of a clinical case study, the traditional interpretation of malocclusion is questioned, suggesting that understanding malocclusion requires a view that considers the complexity of the masticatory system and its interaction with the nervous system. The introduction concludes by highlighting the importance of paradigmatic innovations that go beyond incremental improvements, to embrace a change in thinking that profoundly influences masticatory science.
==  Extract of the chapter ==


This approach represents an invitation to overcome the limits of traditional dental conventions, proposing a model of understanding and treatment of masticatory disorders that is truly interdisciplinary, based on principles of open and inclusive science, oriented towards the acceptance of uncertainty, and the holistic evaluation of the patient.
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==Ab ovo<ref>Latin for 'since the very beginning'</ref>==
==Ab ovo<ref>Latin for 'since the very beginning'</ref>==


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  | DOI = 10.1177/2380084419879391
  | DOI = 10.1177/2380084419879391
  | OCLC =  
  | OCLC =  
  }} Oct 7:2380084419879391</ref> especially in the field of dentistry. These advancements have significantly influenced decision-making strategies, opinions, schools of thought, and axioms, aiming explicitly at improving the quality of life, as highlighted in the "Science of Exposure in the 21st Century".<ref>{{cita libro  
  }} Oct 7:[tel:2380084419879391 2380084419879391]</ref> especially in the field of dentistry. These advancements have significantly influenced decision-making strategies, opinions, schools of thought, and axioms, aiming explicitly at improving the quality of life, as highlighted in the "Science of Exposure in the 21st Century".<ref>{{cita libro  
  | autore =  
  | autore =  
  | autore2 =  
  | autore2 =  
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  | DOI =  
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  }}</ref> Kuhn advances the idea that science is structured around paradigms and establishes a clear demarcation between science and pseudoscience, based on the presence of a shared paradigm. For him, the evolution of scientific progress is seen as a continuous curve, yet interrupted by discontinuities represented by paradigm shifts.
  }}</ref> ...................
 
Taking on the role of a skilled problem solver, the scientist is engaged in resolving these anomalies. These moments of discontinuity, or scientific revolutions, occur when the existing paradigm can no longer adequately interpret new anomalies, thereby pushing the scientific community towards the exploration and eventual adoption of new paradigms that better align with emerging observations.


===='''Kuhn's phases in Dentistry'''====
===='''Kuhn's phases in Dentistry'''====
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Kuhn, on the other hand, divides the evolution of a paradigm into five phases; this is a fundamental process for Masticationpedia, but to stay tuned with the project we will limit ourselves to describing the three most significant phases shared in the project and indicated in the index of the book:  
Kuhn, on the other hand, divides the evolution of a paradigm into five phases; this is a fundamental process for Masticationpedia, but to stay tuned with the project we will limit ourselves to describing the three most significant phases shared in the project and indicated in the index of the book:  


{|
It's almost taken for granted that Kuhn's scientific philosophy gives priority to discipline, since an anomaly within the genetic paradigm will be more easily recognized by a geneticist rather than a neurophysiologist. This concept, however, seems to contradict the epistemological evolution of Science, thereby making a detailed analysis of this apparent discrepancy appropriate...................
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*<u>'''''Phase 2'''''</u>, or the Normal Science<br>For instance, in the second phase of Kuhn's paradigms, called "Normal Science," scientists are considered problem solvers engaged in strengthening the correspondence between the paradigm and natural reality. This phase is based on a set of fundamental principles established by the paradigm itself, which are not subject to dispute but are instead used to define the guidelines for future research projects. During this phase, the development of the necessary measurement tools to conduct experiments takes place, and the majority of the scientific literature is produced. The results obtained in this phase contribute significantly to the advancement of scientific knowledge. In normal science, both successes and failures occur; the latter are identified by Kuhn as "anomalies," i.e., events that contradict the prevailing paradigm.
|-
|&nbsp;
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*<u>'''''Phase 4'''''</u>, or the '''Crisis of the Paradigm'''<br>In response to the crisis, there will be the formation of several new paradigms during this period. These emerging paradigms, therefore, will not originate from the successes of the previous theory, but rather from the rejection of the established models of the dominant paradigm. Continuing along this line, Masticationpedia will dedicate attention to the crisis of the masticatory rehabilitative paradigm, through the review of theories, theorems, axioms, currents of thought, and diagnostic research criteria. Subsequently, the focus will shift to the fifth phase.
|-
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*<u>'''''Phase 5'''''</u>, or the '''Scientific Revolution'''<br>Phase 5 is characterized by the scientific revolution. During the period of extraordinary scientific activities, a debate will develop within the scientific community on which new paradigm to adopt. However, the prevailing paradigm will not necessarily be the "truest" or most efficient one, but rather the one that manages to arouse the interest of a sufficient number of scientists and earn the trust of the community. According to Kuhn, competing paradigms have nothing in common, not even the foundations, making them "incommensurable." The choice of paradigm, as mentioned, occurs on socio-psychological or biological bases, with younger scientists replacing the older ones. This battle between paradigms will resolve the crisis, the new paradigm will be named, and science will return to Phase 1. Following the same principle of Phase 4, Masticationpedia will introduce, in the chapter named "Extraordinary Sciences," a new paradigmatic model in the field of Masticatory System rehabilitation, examining its principles, motivations, scientific clinical experiences, and particularly, a radical change in the field of medical diagnostics. This change is fundamentally based on "System Inference," rather than symptom-based inference, assigning primary importance to the objectivity of data.
|}
 
It's almost taken for granted that Kuhn's scientific philosophy gives priority to discipline, since an anomaly within the genetic paradigm will be more easily recognized by a geneticist rather than a neurophysiologist. This concept, however, seems to contradict the epistemological evolution of Science, thereby making a detailed analysis of this apparent discrepancy appropriate.
----
 
==Epistemology==
==Epistemology==
<center>
<center>
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{{qnq|But it’s not all so obvious...}}
{{qnq|But it’s not all so obvious...}}


...because the very concept of epistemology meets continuous implementations, like in medicine:
because the very concept of epistemology meets continuous implementations, like in medicine……….
 
{|
|-
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*'''''<math>P-value</math>''''':  In medicine, for example, to confirm an experiment or validate a series of data collected through laboratory instruments or surveys, reliance is placed on "Statistical Inference," and in particular on a well-known value called "significance test" (P-value). However, even this concept, now rooted in the practice of researchers, is being questioned. A recent study has focused attention on a campaign conducted in the journal "Nature" against the use of the "significance test."<ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Amrhein V
| autore2 = Greenland S
| autore3 = McShane B
| titolo = Scientists rise up against statistical significance
| url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30894741
| volume =
| opera = Nature
| anno = 2019
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI = 10.1038/d41586-019-00857-9
| OCLC =
}} Mar;567(7748):305-307.</ref> With over 800 signatories, including eminent scientists, this campaign can be seen as an important turning point and a "Silent Revolution" in the field of statistics, touching logical and epistemological aspects.<ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Rodgers JL
| titolo = The epistemology of mathematical and statistical modeling: a quiet methodological revolution
| url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20063905
| volume =
| opera = Am Psychol
| anno = 2010
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI = 10.1037/a0018326
| OCLC =
}} Jan;65(1):1-12.</ref><ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Meehl P
| titolo = The problem is epistemology, not statistics: replace significance tests by confidence intervals and quantify accuracy of risky numerical predictions
| url =
| volume =
| opera =
| anno = 1997
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI =
| OCLC =
}}, in eds Harlow L. L., Mulaik S. A., Steiger J. H.,  ''What If There Were No Significance Tests?'' - editors.  (Mahwah: Erlbaum, 393–425. [Google Scholar]</ref><ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Sprenger J
| autore2 = Hartmann S
| titolo = Bayesian Philosophy of Science. Variations on a Theme by the Reverend Thomas Bayes
| url =
| volume =
| opera =
| anno = 2019
| editore = Oxford University Press
| città = Oxford
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI =
| OCLC =
}}</ref> The critique is aimed at overly simplified statistical analyses, still present in numerous publications. This has stimulated a debate, sponsored by the American Statistical Association, which led to the creation of a special issue of "The American Statistician Association" titled "Statistical Inference in the 21st Century: A World Beyond p < 0.05", containing 43 articles by statisticians looking towards the future[16]. This special issue proposes new ways to communicate the significance of research findings beyond the arbitrary threshold of a P-value and offers guidelines for research that accepts uncertainty, is reflective, open, and modest in claims.<ref name="wasser">{{cita libro
| autore = Wasserstein RL
| autore2 = Schirm AL
| autore3 = Lazar NA
| titolo = Moving to a World Beyond ''p'' < 0.05
| url = https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00031305.2019.1583913
| volume =
| opera = Am Stat
| anno = 2019
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI = 10.1080/00031305.2019.1583913
| OCLC =
}} 73, 1–19. </ref> The future will reveal whether these attempts to provide more solid statistical support to science, beyond traditional significance tests, will find resonance in future publications.<ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Dettweiler Ulrich
| titolo = The Rationality of Science and the Inevitability of Defining Prior Beliefs in Empirical Research
| url = https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01866/full
| volume =
| opera = Front Psychol
| anno = 2019
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI = 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01866
| OCLC =
}} Aug 13;10:1866.</ref> This evolution aligns with Kuhn's concept of scientific progress, reflecting a reworking of some descriptive statistical content within the discipline.
|-
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*'''Interdisciplinarity''': <br>In the field of science policy, it is universally recognized that solving science-based problems requires an interdisciplinary research approach (IDR), as highlighted by the European Union's Horizon 2020 project.<ref>European Union, ''[https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/societal-challenges Horizon 2020]''</ref> Recent studies have explored the reasons for the cognitive and epistemic difficulties that researchers encounter in conducting IDR. One identified cause is the decline of philosophical interest towards the epistemology of IDR, attributed to the dominant "Physical Paradigm of Science." This paradigm limits the recognition of significant developments in IDR, both in the context of the philosophy of science and in the practice of research itself. In response, an alternative philosophical paradigm has been proposed, called the "Engineering Paradigm of Science," which offers alternative philosophical perspectives on fundamental aspects such as the purpose of science, the nature of knowledge, the epistemic and pragmatic criteria for the acceptance of knowledge, and the role of technological tools. Consequently, it highlights the need for researchers to make use of metacognitive support structures, called metacognitive scaffolds, to facilitate the analysis and reconstruction of the processes by which knowledge is constructed across different disciplines. In the context of IDR, such metacognitive scaffolds are essential for promoting effective communication between disciplines, allowing scholars to analyze and articulate how each discipline contributes to the construction of knowledge.<ref name=":0">{{cita libro
| autore = Boon M
| autore2 = Van Baalen S
| titolo = Epistemology for interdisciplinary research - shifting philosophical paradigms of science
| url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383598/
| volume =
| opera = Eur J Philos Sci
| anno = 2019
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI = 10.1007/s13194-018-0242-4
| OCLC =
}} 9(1):16.</ref><ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Boon M
| titolo = An engineering paradigm in the biomedical sciences: Knowledge as epistemic tool
| url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28389261
| volume =
| opera = Prog Biophys Mol Biol
| anno = 2017
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI = 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.04.001
| OCLC =
}} Oct;129:25-39.</ref>
|}


==Anomaly ''vs.'' Interdisciplinarity==
==Anomaly ''vs.'' Interdisciplinarity==
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  | DOI = 10.17096/jiufd.04646
  | DOI = 10.17096/jiufd.04646
  | OCLC =  
  | OCLC =  
  }} 51(3): 64–71. Published online 2017 Oct 2. PMCID: PMC5624148 - PMID: 29114433 </ref> Although the innovations mentioned are technological and methodological in nature, it is crucial to recognize that true scientific progress does not occur exclusively through "Incremental Innovations" or "Radical Innovations," but is fundamentally achieved through "Paradigmatic Innovations."
  }} 51(3): 64–71. Published online 2017 Oct 2. PMCID: PMC5624148 - PMID: 29114433 </ref> ............................
 
In the strictest sense of the term, "Paradigmatic Innovations" are a change in thinking and awareness that spreads throughout all of humanity, affecting different social layers, from the Copernican revolution to the recent trend of approaching biological phenomena with a stochastic method.<ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Zhao XF
| autore2 = Gojo I
| autore3 = York T
| autore4 = Ning Y
| autore5 = Baer MR
| titolo = Diagnosis of biphenotypic acute leukemia: a paradigmatic approach
| url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2776262
| volume =
| opera = Int J Clin Exp Pathol
| anno = 2010
| editore =
| città =
| ISBN =
| LCCN =
| DOI =
| OCLC =
}} Prepublished online 2009 Oct 10. PMCID: PMC2776262 - PMID: 19918331. 3(1): 75–86.</ref>
 
This epistemological context, which includes initiatives such as the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), Evidence-Based Medicine, and others, is further explored in the Masticationpedia project. The latter aims to highlight the dynamics and dialectics of progress in the science of masticatory rehabilitations, emphasizing the anomalies that stimulate a change in thought and, consequently, a "Paradigmatic Innovation."
 
Before proceeding, it might be appropriate to observe a very concrete and significant case.


== Malocclusion==
== Malocclusion==
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  }} 72(5 cz 1):918-922.
  }} 72(5 cz 1):918-922.
</ref>
</ref>
{{q2|Diagnosis, treatment strategies, and prevention of anomalies and dento-facial deformities should be approached by considering the organism as a whole, especially in children, where the physical structure is still in the formative stage. It is essential to recognize the interconnectedness between the form and function of various organs and systems of the body, as these relationships are crucial for devising an effective treatment plan that respects and promotes the harmonious development of the patient.}}


Another noteworthy piece of data emerged when, also in 2019, PubMed was specifically queried for interdisciplinary approaches in diagnosing malocclusions: the results drastically decreased to only four articles.<ref>Pubmed, ''[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=interdisciplinary+diagnostics+of+malocclusions interdisciplinary diagnostics of malocclusions]''</ref>
Another noteworthy piece of data emerged when, also in 2019, PubMed was specifically queried for interdisciplinary approaches in diagnosing malocclusions: the results drastically decreased to only four articles.<ref>Pubmed, ''[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=interdisciplinary+diagnostics+of+malocclusions interdisciplinary diagnostics of malocclusions]''</ref>
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It becomes clear that a deterministic approach to diagnosing such obvious occlusal incongruence might lead to considering both the crossbite and the open bite as both causes and effects of malocclusion, consequently suggesting orthodontic intervention to restore "Normocclusion". This mode of thinking would presuppose that the model (the masticatory system) should be "normalized" with respect to occlusion. Interpreted conversely, this would imply that the occlusal discrepancy is the cause of malocclusion and, by extension, pathology of the Masticatory Apparatus. (Figure 1a).
It becomes clear that a deterministic approach to diagnosing such obvious occlusal incongruence might lead to considering both the crossbite and the open bite as both causes and effects of malocclusion, consequently suggesting orthodontic intervention to restore "Normocclusion". This mode of thinking would presuppose that the model (the masticatory system) should be "normalized" with respect to occlusion. Interpreted conversely, this would imply that the occlusal discrepancy is the cause of malocclusion and, by extension, pathology of the Masticatory Apparatus. (Figure 1a).


In the context of a clinical case highlighting the presence of malocclusion, with particular attention to the unilateral posterior crossbite and anterior open bite, the importance of dialogue between dentist and patient emerges. This informative conversation is crucial not only for sharing the diagnosis and treatment options but also for understanding the patient's concerns, expectations, and desires. Here's how such a dialogue might unfold:
In the context of a clinical case highlighting the presence of malocclusion, with particular attention to the unilateral posterior crossbite and anterior open bite, the importance of dialogue between dentist and patient emerges. This informative conversation is crucial not only for sharing the diagnosis and treatment options but also for understanding the patient's concerns, expectations, and desires......................
 
 
'''Dentist:''' "Considering your malocclusion situation, which includes an open bite and unilateral posterior crossbite, treatment is recommended to improve both aesthetics and chewing functionality. Without intervention, you may experience future problems such as bruxism, swallowing difficulties, and potential postural issues."
 
'''Patient:''' "Absolutely not, doctor. I have no intention of undergoing any treatment. I may have an imperfect smile, but my chewing function is excellent. I eat without any issues, so I don't see why I should worry."
 
'''Dentist:''' "I understand that you feel comfortable with your current chewing condition. However, it's important to consider that some problems may not be immediately evident but could manifest over time, affecting not only oral health but also overall well-being."
 
'''Patient:''' "I appreciate your concern, doctor, but really, I have no problems chewing or swallowing. And as for bruxism or postural issues, I don't suffer from them. I'm also very physically active. For me, undergoing treatment that I don't feel is necessary would be excessive."
 
'''Dentist:''' "I understand your position. It's crucial that you feel comfortable with any decision made regarding your health. My role is to inform you about potential long-term implications and available treatment options. If you ever change your mind or need further information, know that I'm here to assist you."
----The situation becomes particularly critical when we consider the patient's verbal language regarding their chewing functionality. This can be misleading, as it may not reflect a detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of the occlusal state. On the contrary, it could paradoxically indicate an intact system if interpreted through a "machine language" converted into verbal terms. In this impasse, neither the patient nor the observer (dentist) can assert with certainty the presence of an actual "Malocclusion."
 
In this context, the reference to the American Statistical Association's critique entitled "Statistical inference in the 21st century: A World Beyond p < 0.05" becomes relevant, as it invites the researcher to navigate uncertainty with sensitivity, reflexivity, openness, and modesty in assertions.<ref name="wasser" /> This stance paves the way for interdisciplinarity as a key to addressing such complex issues.
 
The interdisciplinary approach becomes crucial in interpreting the biological phenomenon of "Malocclusion" through a stochastic mindset, which will be explored in more detail later.
 
A stochastic observer might note that, at time <math>T_n </math>, there is a low probability that the patient is in a state of occlusal disease, given their expression of optimal psychophysical well-being. This leads to the conclusion that occlusal discrepancy does not necessarily entail a neuromuscular and psychophysical functional disorder. Therefore, the masticatory system should not be normalized solely to occlusion but requires a broader understanding that includes the Trigeminal Nervous System.
 
To assess the integrity of the patient's Trigeminal Nervous System in the presence of "malocclusion," specific electrophysiological tests were performed. The results of these tests, shown in Figures 1b, 1c, and 1d (with explanations in the captions), should be interpreted as a "Conceptual Rationale" within the context of the "Malocclusion" issue. These introductory data reveal an apparent discrepancy between the occlusal state, which traditionally might be considered pathological, and the neurophysiological data demonstrating perfect synchronization and symmetry of trigeminal reflexes.
 
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:Bilateral Electric Transcranial Stimulation.jpg|'''Figure 1b:''' Figure 1b displays the results of a motor-evoked potential test obtained through transcranial electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve roots. The focus is on structural symmetry, which was calculated by comparing the peak-to-peak amplitude of the evoked potentials in the right masseter muscle (upper trace) and left masseter muscle (lower trace).
File:Jaw Jerk .jpg|'''Figura 1c:''' This figure shows the jaw reflex evoked by percussion of the chin with a piezoelectric neurological hammer. Once again, what stands out is the observed functional symmetry, highlighted by the analysis of peak-to-peak amplitude in the right and left masseter muscles. Functional symmetry in a malocclusion condition suggests that reflexive responses of the masticatory system can remain effectively balanced despite occlusal discrepancies. This further reinforces the argument that a diagnosis of malocclusion does not necessarily translate into manifest neuromuscular dysfunctions, and that the integrity of the masticatory system can be maintained.
File:Mechanic Silent Period.jpg|'''Figura 1d:''' Illustrates the evoked mechanical silent period elicited by percussion of the chin with a triggered neurological hammer. This type of measurement focuses on the integral area of the right and left masseter muscles, and what emerges prominently is the functional symmetry between the two sides. The presence of this symmetry underscores that, despite the malocclusion condition, neuromuscular dynamics, specifically in terms of reflex inhibition after stimulation, are maintained in a balanced equilibrium.
</gallery>
 
Through the examination of these electrophysiological data – Figures 1b, 1c, and now 1d – a picture emerges that challenges conventional interpretations of malocclusion and its clinical implications. The observed functional symmetry in these measurements indicates that the approach to diagnosing and treating malocclusions could significantly benefit from a broader evaluation, including detailed analysis of neuromuscular function. These results emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic model that goes beyond simply correcting occlusal discrepancies to include an overall assessment of the well-being of the masticatory system and, by extension, the patient.
 
<blockquote>''Occlusal Dismorphisms and Not Malocclusion ......which, as we will see shortly, is an entirely different matter.''</blockquote>
 
==Conclusion==
Before proceeding with any conclusion, it is crucial to clarify some fundamental concepts that will be explored in more detail in specific chapters of Masticationpedia.
 
The masticatory system should be interpreted as a "Complex System"<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_system</ref> rather than being reduced to a simple biomechanical mechanism focused solely on dental occlusion. From this perspective, occlusion represents only one of the numerous subsets operating within a broader context. These subsets include periodontal receptors, neuromuscular spindles, motor unit recruitment, the central nervous system, and the temporomandibular joint. The interaction among these components gives rise to what we can define as "Emergent Behavior", specifically masticatory behavior.
 
This notion implies that the emergent behavior of the system cannot be interpreted or predicted solely based on objective data extracted from a single subset. Instead, it is necessary to assess the integrity of the system as a whole before proceeding with an analytical segmentation for a detailed description. There are significant intellectual and scientific movements addressing this challenge. A notable example is found in the work of Kazem Sadegh-Zadeh, "Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine".<ref>{{cita libro
| autore = Sadegh-Zadeh Kazem
| titolo = Handbook of Analytic Philosophy of Medicine
| url = https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-94-007-2260-6
| volume =
| opera =
| anno = 2012
| editore = Springer
| città = Dordrecht
| ISBN = 978-94-007-2259-0
| LCCN =
| DOI = 10.1007/978-94-007-2260-6
| OCLC =
}}.</ref>
 
In light of these considerations, the discussion on the case at hand follows the following linguistic logic: the various subsets of the masticatory system, such as teeth, occlusion, temporomandibular joints, and muscles, exhibit "Coherence" with the Central Trigeminal Nervous System (as illustrated in Figures 1b, 1c, and 1d). Consequently, the use of the term "Malocclusion" is inadequate; it would be more appropriate to speak of "Occlusal Dysmorphisms".
 
:
:{{q2|The proposition to consider the masticatory system as a "Complex System" does not imply the denial of existing rehabilitative therapies, such as prosthetic, orthodontic, and orthognathic treatments aimed at correcting masticatory dysfunctions. On the contrary, this innovative approach aims to reintegrate and enrich medical knowledge in rehabilitative dental disciplines, providing an alternative perspective to the scientific reductionism that tends to interpret biological phenomena in an overly deterministic manner.|}}Adopting a perspective that transcends the boundaries of individual specializations, as highlighted by the importance of interdisciplinarity, is crucial for enriching diagnostic and therapeutic models in dentistry. This approach is exemplified in the clinical case of a patient treated with the OrthoNeuroGnathodontic methodology, which provides an integrated overview of the masticatory system, combining aesthetic and functional-neurophysiological aspects. This interdisciplinary model aims to achieve "Occlusal Stability" and prevent "Relapses," particularly relevant in orthodontic and orthognathic treatments.<ref>Essam Ahmed Al-Moraissi, Larry M Wolford. Is Counterclockwise Rotation of the Maxillomandibular Complex Stable Compared With Clockwise Rotation in the Correction of Dentofacial Deformities? A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisJ Oral Maxillofac Surg.. 2016 Oct;74(10):2066.e1-2066.e12.doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2016.06.001. Epub 2016 Jun 11.
</ref><ref>J Hoffmannová, R Foltán, M Vlk, K Klíma, G Pavlíková, O Bulik. Factors affecting the stability of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of a mandible.Prague Med Rep. 2008;109(4):286-97.
</ref>  This perspective does not aim to eliminate existing rehabilitative practices but, on the contrary, seeks to enrich and restore value to dental rehabilitative disciplines, while offering an alternative to the reductionistic view that often dominates the interpretation of biological phenomena. In this context, an "Extraordinary Science" is introduced, which leverages interdisciplinarity to expand the boundaries of medical knowledge and practice.  In the meantime, let us take a reflective pause thanks to a provocative question from our curious companion, Linus Sapiens, the yellow figure positioned on the left. This allegorical interaction invites us to consider the complexity of the masticatory system with a sense of wonder and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of remaining open to new perspectives and innovative solutions in the field of dentistry.
 
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{{qnq|What do we mean by “Complex Systems” when we are talking about masticatory functions?}}
 
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