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defined by the status of the muscles that surround the mandible
in three dimensions. These muscles are responsible for bringing
the mandible into its various positions—BMP, RMP, and FMP.
These positions result from the combined activity of all these
muscles. When the muscles are relaxed, the mandible rests in
RMP, in harmony with the body. When the muscles prepare
for action (e.g., teeth in contact and occlusion in BOP), the
mandible moves into BMP. The G space has vertical, horizontal,
and sagittal limits within the full range of possible mandibular
movements. In the vertical plane, the level of the maxillary
teeth defines the upper border of the G space—this is the BMP
position (where occlusion is in BOP). The lower border of the
Fig 3: A spider spinning an intricate web. The entire web gets distorted G space is the RMP. Between these two, the muscles associated
by a pull just from one side by the spider. with the mandible are not pulled or pushed into any activity.
Thus, the G space can be described as the space in which the
In all three mandibular positions, the condylar positions correspond to mandible can “float,” along with its associated muscles, which
those of the mandible—Balanced, Relaxed, or Forced. Teeth function and can remain either relaxed or ready to work, or at any point in
come into occlusion when the mandible is either ready to work or being between. This range is approximately 1.7 mm in the anterior
forced to work, that is, in the Balanced and Forced mandibular positions. teeth and much less in the posterior region. When viewed
Hence, there can be a Balanced Occlusal Position (BOP) and a Forced laterally, this area resembles a trapezoid, with the top-to-bottom
Occlusion Position (FOP). Occlusion does not come into play when the distance reducing toward the posterior. In three dimensions, the
mandible is in the Relaxed Position (RMP). horizontal limits of the G space are ideally formed by accurately
Once again, these positions can be compared to an individual who is positioned canines with correct inclination and vertical
either ready to work, on holiday, or working under pressure in an office. position. The sagittal limits of the G space are established by the
The “ready to work” scenario is analogous to the balanced position; the correct position of the central incisors.
“holiday” represents the relaxed position; and the “strict office” setting Smylist® data indicates that only a small percentage of
represents the forced position. The office with a strict leader is akin to individuals have mandibles that consistently remain within
having several bosses simultaneously asking the individual to work in the G space. Thus, understanding the concept of the G space
different places. When the mandible is on holiday (RMP), it is evident that allows dentists to apply the Smylist® deprogramming method,
there is no occlusal work being done by the teeth. bringing the mandible into BMP and establishing the occlusion
It has been Smylist®’s observation over decades that only a few in this position to achieve a BOP. When the mandible is outside
individuals possess a BOP, some are close to a BOP, and many are far the G space, muscle symmetry is lost, leading to asymmetrical
load patterns on the teeth. The maxillary teeth play a critical
The musculoskeletal system can be compared to a spider’s role in ensuring the mandible stays within the G space.
web. The muscles of the body are intricately interconnect- Most individuals have mandibles that are outside the G
ed, much like a spider’s web. If the mandible is outside the G space and in a forced, unnatural position (FMP). In FMP, the
space, each muscle attempts to find its relaxed position. In mandible is “rotated”—either laterally, upward, or downward—
doing so, the muscles in spasm (contracted) exert a pulling as explained by Smylist®. Depending on the nature of this
mandibular rotation and the position of the maxillary teeth,
force on the mandible, rotating it towards them. the FMP may be located either before or beyond the limits of
the G space. The mandible may protrude, over-rotate, or tilt,
from it. Thus, the majority of individuals are in FOP. Logically, this causing the muscles responsible for its movements to fall out of
means that simply checking the existing occlusion and trying to use it harmony, becoming overstretched or overcontracted.
as a starting point will likely not bring the mandible into the BMP and The musculoskeletal system can be compared to a spider’s
may cause several additional problems after dental work, full mouth web. The muscles of the body are intricately interconnected,
rehabilitation (FMR), or orthodontic treatment. The Smylist® approach much like a spider’s web. If the mandible is outside the G space,
begins by first setting the BMP, because the MMOCS is an interconnected each muscle attempts to find its relaxed position. In doing so,
system wherein the condyles will automatically be established in the BCP. the muscles in spasm (contracted) exert a pulling force on the
The BOP should then be re-established by working on the teeth in this mandible, rotating it towards them. Meanwhile, the opposing
mandibular position. muscles become overstretched. Each muscle is trying to reach a
“G Space”: Smylist® provides an important explanation of how the relaxed state—but independently, not in unison.
mandible should be positioned when overall body balance is optimal. The muscles on the contracted side will continue contracting
Defining and understanding the G space is only possible by considering in their attempt to relax, while the overstretched muscles on
the activity and nature of the muscles. When viewing the mandible as the other side will stretch further. This gradual process pushes
one of the bony structures in the musculoskeletal system, the G space is or pulls away all interferences. The mandible, being the first

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