Why is bone within the TMJ’s important for my bite?

If bony components wear down, that too will decrease the height of the mandible on the affected side, increasing posterior/back tooth contact on that side and increasing the space between front teeth on the opposite side. A change in bone dimension will always alter the bite/occlusion. Bone typically degenerates/breaks down in the TMJ’s if the cartilage is torn out, and does not if the cartilage is normal condition and position.