An investigation of the reproducibility of face-bow transfers

An investigation was conducted to determine the reproducibility of the position of a maxillary cast in two widely-used semi-adjustable articulators when a face-bow transfer was repeated ten times for the same individual. The results obtained with the Dentatus AEB, Whipmix Quickmount and Almore transfer bows were compared. The variations in cast position rarely exceeded +/- 1.0 mm in any of three planes of space and although the results suggested a ranking in accuracy of the three instruments, all were considered clinically acceptable. On the basis of the results observed, face-bow transfer appears to be a reliable clinical procedure and accuracy in the determination of reference locations is unlikely to be negated by subsequent transfer errors, provided that appropriate care is employed.