[Latero-protrusive checkbites and setting of a semi-adjustable articulator]

The authors propose an original method for the setting of a semi-adjustable articulator based on latero-protrusive check-bites. This study compares two setting methods. The first was used as a control. It makes use of protrusion and lateral check-bites for the adjustment of the condylar path angle and Bennett's angle. The second method, adjusts the two parameters using only latero-protrusion check-bites. Recordings were taken on 15 young patients aged from 24 to 32 years old, having a healthy and complete dentition without any subjective symptomatology of T.M.J. The recordings were always made by the same operator. According to a strict methodology, the same protocole was used for the recording of the check-bites with both methods, mounting of the models on the articulator and adjustment of the angles. For the first method, the check-bites were taken with a 5 mm protrusion previously determined on the articulator. This position was reported and marked in the mouth using indelible ink. Likewise, a 5 mm lateral bites position on the working side was determined for both sides. With the second method, the lateroprotrusion bites were taken with a 3 mm displacement of the condyle on the working side and 5 mm on the non-working side. In both methods, the values of the condylar path angle and Bennett's angle were revealed and compared for all the patients. Subsequently to a statistical analysis, the authors concluded on the similarity of the results for the two methods, confirming the interest of a single latero-protrusion check-bite which is easier to obtain, is economical in terms of time, and entails a lesser number of bites to be made.