Which occlusal disharmony is considered most likely to produce painful muscular symptoms?

Cusp interference during closure to centric relation is recognized as particularly problematic because it disrupts the harmonious closing pattern of the jaw. When a patient's occlusion is altered in such a way that cusps from opposing teeth collide prematurely or at an inappropriate angle during this specific closure, it can lead to excessive muscle strain. This strain manifests as muscle discomfort or pain, commonly referred to as myofascial pain syndrome.

The centric relation is a bone-to-bone relationship, essentially a maximal interdigitation where the condyles are in their most posterior position. If cusps do not align and interfere during this closure, it leads to unbalanced forces on the muscles times which can contribute to discomfort. Chronic irritation and overload of the masticatory muscles can further develop into more significant issues, including tension headaches and temporomandibular joint disorders.

In summary, interference during closure to centric relation stands out as it directly impacts the foundational position of jaw closure, leading to a cascade of muscular stress and pain.