Interocclusal distance measurement comparing chin and tooth reference points

In a group of nine dentate students with a mean age of 23.1 years, a comparison of their interocclusal distances was determined using tooth and chin reference points. This determination was made with two reference LEDs, one attached to a lower tooth and the other attached to a point on the chin. These two LEDs were registered simultaneously using the Selspot system and analyzed with the use of a computer. Three different methods were used to establish the interocclusal distance: a phonetic method, a relaxation method, and a swallowing method. Independent of the method selected, there was a greater interocclusal distance recorded by the tooth-attached reference LED. This study indicates that, in the clinical determination of interocclusal distance, where a chin reference is used the dentist should be aware of this difference--especially when lip activity is involved.