What is mandibular deflection?

• A. Symmetric opening
• B. Movement to both sides equally
• C. Movement to one side at end range
• D. Circular path during opening

Answer: (C)

Mandibular deflection is when the jaw deviates to one side as it opens, usually becoming noticeable only at the end range of opening. In a normal opening, both temporomandibular joints work together so the mandible moves along a straight path—first with rotation and then with translation—without veering to either side. If one side is restricted or its muscles are directing the movement differently, the mandible loses that symmetry and shifts toward the side with the dysfunction as it reaches maximum opening. So this description—movement to one side at end range—best captures what deflection looks like clinically.