A study of the occlusal plane orientation by intra-oral method (retromolar pad)

Reliability of the intra-oral method which orientates the occlusal plane to terminate at the upper level of the retromolar pad was studied. Thirty individuals all with natural teeth and 34 complete denture wearers participated in the study. Stone casts were mounted in the S.A.M. 2 articulator by a quick mount face bow transfer. The angle between the occlusal plane and the articulator horizontal plane was measured in both groups. The angle was 9.42 degrees +/- 4.1 degrees in dentate individuals and 8.53 degrees +/- 2.8 degrees in complete denture wearers. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups (t = 0.72, P > 0.05). Therefore, the method can be advocated for a wide clinical use, as it is a simple method and places the artificial occlusal plane very close to the position of the natural plane of occlusion.