January 09, 2026 - Study Club session
CR to MIP Slide: Occlusion’s Dirty Little Secret
This study club session examines the often-overlooked relationship between centric relation (CR) and maximum intercuspation (MIP), and its clinical relevance in everyday dentistry. Participants will review the fundamental definitions of CR and MIP, explore why a discrepancy between these positions develops, and understand how even small CR - MIP slides can influence muscles, joints, and restorative outcomes. Through clinical discussion and case-based examples, attendees will learn how CR - MIP discrepancies contribute to occlusal instability, restorative complications, parafunction, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing when a CR - MIP slide is clinically significant, how to identify it during examination, and how this information should influence diagnosis, treatment planning, and restorative decision-making. This course is designed to improve participants’ understanding of occlusion beyond habitual bite position, helping clinicians make more informed, predictable decisions in restorative, implant, and TMD-related cases.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
Differentiate between centric relation (CR) and maximum intercuspation (MIP).
Describe common causes and patterns of CR - MIP discrepancies.
Identify clinical signs associated with a CR - MIP slide.
Explain the potential impact of CR - MIP discrepancies on muscles, joints, and restorations.
Recognize when a CR - MIP slide should influence treatment planning and occlusal management.