Face-bow record without a third point of reference: theoretical considerations and an alternative technique

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Dental Prosthetics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Accurate mounting of dental casts is crucial for prosthodontic treatment.
• Traditional face-bow transfers rely on reference planes like the Frankfort or axis-orbitale plane.
• These reference planes are not consistently horizontal, leading to potential inaccuracies in maxillary cast mounting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an alternative face-bow transfer procedure that eliminates the need for a reference plane.
• To improve the accuracy of maxillary cast mounting on an articulator.
• To reduce errors associated with traditional reference plane use.

Main Methods:

• A novel face-bow transfer technique is detailed.
• This method utilizes the angular relationship between the occlusal plane and the condylar path.
• The maxillary cast is mounted on the articulator based on these angular relationships, bypassing traditional reference planes.

Main Results:

• The proposed method avoids the use of reference planes, thereby eliminating a significant source of error.
• This technique allows for a more accurate transfer of the maxillary arch's tridimensional spatial relationship.
• The angular relationship between the occlusal plane and condylar path serves as a reliable determinant for mounting.

Conclusions:

• Eliminating reference planes in face-bow transfers enhances the accuracy of dental cast mounting.
• The described alternative procedure offers a more reliable method for articulator setup.
• This technique contributes to improved precision in prosthodontic procedures.