Related Experiment Videos
The determination of freeway space using two different methods.
A Johnson1, D G Wildgoose, D J Wood
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, UK. a.johnson@sheffield.ac.uk
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|November 8, 2002
Summary
This study found that the average freeway space in dentate subjects falls within the 2-4 mm range, but suggests a more realistic range of 2-7 mm for accurate measurements.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Physiology
Background:
- Freeway space, the vertical distance between teeth when the mandible is at rest, is crucial for oral health.
- Recommended freeway space ranges for edentulous patients are established, but data for dentate subjects require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the average freeway space in dentate subjects.
- To compare measurements with recommended ranges for edentulous patients.
- To evaluate differences between two measurement methods: Willis gauge and sprung dividers.
Main Methods:
- Measured freeway space in 72 dentate subjects using a Willis gauge and sprung dividers.
- Assessed intra- and interoperator variability and reproducibility for both techniques.
- Analyzed measurement data for statistical significance.
Main Results:
- Mean freeway space was 3.3 mm (Willis gauge) and 3.1/2.9 mm (sprung dividers), with no significant difference between methods.
- Individual measurements within each method showed significant differences.
- 15% of subjects had freeway space outside the 2-4 mm range.
Conclusions:
- Dentate subjects' mean freeway space aligns with the 2-4 mm range, but individual variations necessitate consideration.
- The study suggests a broader, more realistic freeway space range of 2-7 mm.
- Both measurement techniques yielded comparable mean results, though individual readings varied.