An end-range shift of the jaw to the right is called what?

• A. Deviation
• B. Deflection
• C. Translation
• D. Lateral shift

Answer: (B)

Deflection describes an end-range shift of the mandible to one side. When the jaw reaches the final point of its movement, it deviates laterally and remains off the midline toward the right, rather than gliding back to center. This pattern often points to unilateral occlusal interferences or TMJ-related dysfunction on the opposite side, causing the mandible to be pulled off midline during movement. Translation refers to the forward, sliding motion of the mandible as a whole, not a side-to-side shift; a lateral shift is a general way to describe sideward movement but the term deflection is the standard clinical description for this end-range, sideward displacement. Deviation is a broader term for movement away from the midline, but deflection specifically captures the end-range, persistent sideward shift.