Comparison of different methods for obtaining centric relation: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Dental Occlusion
• Maxillofacial Prosthetics
• Clinical Research Methodology

Background:

• Accurate determination of centric relation is crucial for prosthodontic treatment planning.
• Various techniques exist for recording centric relation, but their reproducibility varies.
• Limited comparative studies exist on the reproducibility of different centric relation recording methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the reproducibility of different methods for obtaining centric relation.
• To identify which technique yields the greatest reproducibility of centric relation.
• To systematically review existing literature on the topic.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 15, 2018.
• Search terms included "dental centric relation" combined with terms for reproducibility and specific techniques (chin point, gothic arch, bimanual manipulation, swallowing, jig).
• Included studies were clinical, in English, comparing at least two methods for centric relation reproducibility in individuals without temporomandibular dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Seven articles were included from 1638 identified. No studies evaluated edentulous individuals.
• Comparisons between physiologic (swallowing) and guided methods yielded conflicting results regarding reproducibility.
• Intraoral gothic arch tracing showed results superior or equivalent to guided methods in most comparisons.

Conclusions:

• The study could not definitively conclude which technique (guided methods or swallowing) offers the greatest reproducibility for centric relation.
• Intraoral gothic arch tracing appears to be a reproducible and potentially superior method compared to guided techniques.
• Further research is needed, particularly on edentulous patients, to establish definitive guidelines for centric relation recording.