Modified protrusive wax record in recording condylar path angle and ethnic variations

Background: The Condylar Path Angle (CPA) is an important measurement that is used to program articulators used in dental treatment. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the CPA in Malay subjects, to compare the measurements with average values, 25˚-35˚ Camper's (based on Caucasian studies), and to compare the right and left CPAs. Methods: Thirty subjects aged 21-23 years were recruited. A wash technique impression was made, casts were poured, and face-bow transfers were taken. The casts were mounted to their centric position on a semi-adjustable articulator. Protrusive guides were constructed to allow the mandible to be protruded for 5 mm, and then the angles were measured using the protrusive record method. Results: The right CPA was within the normal range for 43% (13/30) of participants and out of the normal range for 57% (17/30). The left CPA was within the normal range for 33% (10/30) of participants and out of the normal range for 67% (19/30). There was no statistically significant difference between the left and right CPAs (p = 0.72), but there was a strong linear relationship between left and right CPAs (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Results of the current study indicated Malay subjects had measurable variations in the CPA, suggesting this population has an ethnic variation in the CPA. Relevance for patients: To improve the quality of patient care, the CPA should be considered when constructing fixed/removable prostheses that use semi-adjustable articulators, and clinicians should not rely on the set average values that are pre-set on articulators.