Creating a vertical stop for interocclusal records

This article describes a method of making an accurate interocclusal record when the most distal tooth is an abutment of a fixed partial denture. The method uses conical stops, prepared in the enamel of the abutment or made of composite or a metal core covered with composite, to maintain the vertical dimension of occlusion and to act as a third point of reference for a stable occlusal relationship when occluding the definitive casts. This article also explains how to use the cones and how to make each variety.