The concept of centric maxillomandibular relation is used to establish a mandibular reference position in many disciplines and circumstances. Centric maxillomandibular relation is defined most commonly in terms of the relationships of the intra-articular structures of the craniomandibular articulation. The variety of definitions have ebbed and flowed over the years and reflects the contentious nature of this topic. Dentists defined empirically the articular relationships they considered most suitable and then devised clinical techniques which they hoped would place the mandible into these craniomandibular relationships.