Hinge-axis location and face-bow transfer for edentulous patients

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Accurate determination of the terminal hinge axis is crucial for successful complete denture fabrication.
• Traditional methods for locating the hinge axis in edentulous patients can be challenging and may lack precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using the modified Loma Linda hinge-axis locator for edentulous patients.
• To assess the impact of this technique on achieving accurate occlusal records and tooth articulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a modified Loma Linda hinge-axis locator to determine the terminal hinge axis in edentulous patients.
• Obtained centric and eccentric relation records at an increased vertical dimension of occlusion.
• Articulated and verified cusp-form posterior teeth in the mouth.

Main Results:

• The procedure allows for alteration of the vertical dimension of occlusion around the patient's terminal hinge axis.
• Valid and verified centric and eccentric relation records can be obtained at an increased vertical dimension.
• Cusp-form posterior teeth articulation and verification in the mouth require minimal occlusal correction.

Conclusions:

• The modified Loma Linda hinge-axis locator provides distinct advantages for edentulous patients, enhancing the accuracy of occlusal records and prosthetic restorations.
• Potential disadvantages include the need for a modeling compound clutch and modification of edentulous trays.
• While initially designed for the Whip-Mix articulator, the technique is adaptable to other articulators.