An evaluation of horizontal jaw relations during standing and sitting with open or closed eyes

When determining the horizontal jaw relation and mandibular movements, a question arises as to the appropriate choice of registration positions. The current study was carried out using 22 adults with full dentition who did not have any discomfort in their skeletal and craniomandibular systems. Occlusion and mandibular movements were investigated with open and closed eyes in standing and sitting positions using an electronic, central-bearing tracing device. The coordinates of the measured parameters are presented using a two-dimensional computer vector diagram. The non-parametric Friedman test was used for statistical data analysis. The measured data obtained for the initial habitual centric relation record (HR), centric relation record (CR), final habitual centric relation record (HR), and protrusion (P) did not significantly differ in the sitting and standing positions or with opened and closed eyes (p = 1.00). With closed eyes, the differences in the average values between the two condylar positions (initial HR/final HR, initial HR/CR, and final HR/CR) decreased in a manner that was independent of the registration position. The CR that was measured in a sitting position with closed eyes was 2.26 mm more retrusive than that measured with open eyes. Before and after CR measurements, only laterotrusion showed significant differences (p=0.02) in patients who were standing with closed eyes. It was concluded that the registration position and visual system could individually influence the measurements of condylar position and mandibular movements. From a clinical perspective, these measurements exhibited the smallest differences when they were conducted with patients in a sitting position with closed eyes.