[Attempt at a statistical analysis of the values of the free-way space measured on a sample of 54 patients]

The measurements of the free-way space (= distance between physiologic rest position and centric occlusion) vary according to the method used. In order to get a more distinct reference point, the authors suggest tattooing the Menton (lowest chin point) rather than the Pogonion (most anterior chin point). The free-way space measured in this study ranged from 0.5 to 8 mm. 75% of all cases examined revealed a free-way space between 1 and 2 mm and only 5% showed extreme values such as 0.5 and 8 mm. In contrast to Thompson, who believes that the vertical dimension of occlusion equals the vertical dimension in rest position minus 2 mm the results of this study are in agreement with the findings of those authors, who observed an individually great variation of the free-way space.