Determining the occlusal plane: a literature review
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
Paweł Mazurkiewicz1, Monika Oblizajek2, Julia Rzeszowska3
1Private Practice, Gdańskie Centrum Stomatologiczne filia w Gdyni, Gdynia, Poland.
Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of the present review was to demonstrate the utility of articulator systems and link instrumentation in determining the occlusal plane. The impact of the natural head position and anatomical landmarks on the occlusal plane location has been reported in the literature. Properly chosen instrumentation and management methods eliminate errors in determining the occlusal plane.Methods: The PubMed and the Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (through EbscoHost) databases were searched for ways to minimize the occurrence of errors when registering and determining the occlusal plane location, with or without the use of face-bows. A hand search and citation mining supplemented the results.Results: Overall, 11 original approaches to occlusal plane determination were identified.Discussion: Identified methods of occlusal plane transfer are based on real or virtual solutions. Owing to the large variety of devices, additional comparative studies are needed.
More Related Videos
07:42Quasistatic Mechanical Testing for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Occlusal Veneers Cemented to Milled Dentin Analog Material
Published on: December 20, 2024
08:47Mimicking and Measuring Occlusal Erosive Tooth Wear with the "Rub&Roll" and Non-contact Profilometry
Published on: February 2, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Stress on an Oblique Plane
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
Body Planes
The sagittal plane is the plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body resulting in equal division, it is called the midsagittal or median...