Comparing vertical dimension changes with and without a face-bow transfer

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthetics
• Occlusion
• Craniomandibular mechanics

Background:

• Accurate vertical dimension is crucial for successful denture fabrication and function.
• The face-bow transfer, recording the kinematic face-bow (hinge axis), is a standard procedure in prosthodontics.
• Potential variations in vertical dimension may arise from procedural differences in occlusal record-taking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if omitting the face-bow transfer influences vertical dimension changes in occlusal adjustments.
• To compare the magnitude of vertical dimension change between procedures with and without face-bow transfer.

Main Methods:

• Two experimental demonstrations were conducted to assess occlusal changes.
• One demonstration involved a face-bow transfer (hinge axis recording), while the other did not.
• Vertical dimension changes were measured and compared between the two demonstrations.

Main Results:

• Both demonstrations exhibited changes in vertical dimension.
• A greater degree of vertical dimension change was observed in the demonstration where the face-bow transfer was omitted.
• The significance of these changes relative to normal technical error requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

• The omission of a face-bow transfer may be associated with increased vertical dimension changes during occlusal adjustments.
• Clinicians should consider the time investment for face-bow transfers versus potential chairside occlusal correction time.
• Further research is essential to quantify the impact of technical error versus procedural omission on vertical dimension stability.