Principles for selecting interocclusal records for articulation of dentate and partially dentate casts

Minimizing the orientation error of the working and opposing casts on the articulator should reduce the extent of intraoral adjustment of restorations before their placement. This article defines and reviews principles such as the tripod of vertical support (three widely spaced occlusal contacts) and adequate horizontal stability, which enable opposing dental casts to be held together in a stable and reproducible manner at the time the mandibular cast is mounted to the articulator. During the restoration of the dentate or partially dentate patient, where restoration is to be coincident with pretreatment maximum intercuspation, the goal of the interocclusal record is to provide stability and/or support for the casts. The types of interocclusal records are organized into categories and designs based upon the remaining vertical support and horizontal stability of the dentition. The clinical indications, limitations, design, and composition of a variety of records for each of these categories are reviewed and discussed.