[Comparative analysis of edentulous patients treated traditionally and with the use of a face-bow and Quick Master...

Correct determination of the occlusal plane is one of the most difficult stages of treatment. After determining the correct occlusal plane its reproduction is possible thanks to the use of articulators. These instruments simulate movements of the jaw in three planes. One of the most optimal articulators is a semi-adjustable type. These instruments are not complicated and give good treatment results. A modern semiadjustable type of articulator is Quick Master. The face-bow which comes together with this instrument is used for recording and transferring the occlusal relation to the articulator. This allows to mount models in an adequate three dimensional position in relation to the temporo-mandibular joint. The use of these instruments leads to many questions and doubts due to difficulties in their use. Therefore the aim of my study was to elaborate a simple method of occlusal recording. I have also compared the treatment results of edentulous patients treated with the use of an articulator and the use of a traditional method. Prosthetic restorations were prepared among 60 patients. The study material was divided into two groups of 30 patients each. In the control group for preparing complete dentures the Gysi method was employed as the most common. In the study group a face-bow and articulator were used. After preparing complete dentures detailed clinical control examinations were carried out and were repeated 24-48 hours after fitting the dentures and also after 3 and 6 months of their use. Working with the face-bow I have employed my own modification of recording the occlusion. The upper wax rim was placed on a slightly warmed bite fork and drawing pins were placed in the recording block to act as a type of key. The lower rim was warmed and brought to occlusal contact a couple of times. Next the face-bow was inserted. The recorded occlusion was transferred and mounted in the articulator. Teeth in both cases were set up similarly to the Gysi method. Lower teeth were set up on the top of the ridge, the upper teeth could be set slightly out of the top line but in the area marked afore between the lines. After preparing and fitting the dentures a clinical examination was carried out and a survey concerning the dentures in use was filled out by the patients. In the study group QM the adaptation period lasted 5 to 30 days, an average of 10.5 days. Full adaptation was achieved in 24 patients during 3 to 14 days. In the control group adaptation period lasted 3 to 42 days, an average of 18.4 days (Tab. 1). A significant difference was obtained. An analysis of the number of reviews with need of occlusal adjustment (Tab. 2) in the QM group showed that most patients needed 1 adjustment or such procedure was not necessary. In the control group 2 or 3 adjustments were necessary (79%). Presented data show that dentures prepared with the use of an articulator are more physiologic and ensure a balanced occlusion. In the method with the use of an articulator a shorter adaptation period is necessary. A subjective patient estimation of the dentures was also positive for the articulator method. The introduced modification of recording the occlusion ensures an efficient and fast mounting and demounting of the face-bow and its use becomes very advantageous. Semiadjustable articulators should be essential instruments in rehabilitation of edentulous patients. The elaborated procedure is a simple and not time-consuming method. It ensures positive treatment results of edentulous patients assuring all basic aims of masticatory organ rehabilitation.