Accuracy of transfer of bite recording to simulated prosthetic reconstructions

Abstract

A key aspect of complex restorative therapy is reconstruction of a new three-dimensional jaw relation. The objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that the initially recorded jaw relation would deviate substantially from the jaw position of the prosthetic reconstruction and that activity ratios of the jaw muscles would be significantly different for each of these jaw positions. In 41 healthy subjects, 41 examiners incorporated intraoral occlusal devices fabricated with all the technical details and procedures commonly used during prosthetic reconstructions. The jaw positions in centric relation with the incorporated occlusal devices were telemetrically measured in the condylar, first molar and incisal regions, relative to intercuspation. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the temporalis and masseter muscles was recorded, and activity ratios were calculated for homonymous and heteronymous muscles. The recorded jaw relation differed significantly (p < 0.001) from the jaw position reconstructed with the intraoral occlusal devices. The initially recorded jaw relation was reproduced with the intraoral occlusal device with spatial accuracy of approximately 0.3 mm in the condylar, molar and incisal regions. The EMG ratios between centric relations and the reconstructed positions were significantly different (p < 0.05) for the temporal muscle and the temporalis/masseter ratio. The findings revealed that three-dimensional jaw-relation recording may be reproduced in a simulated prosthetic reconstruction within the accuracy reported for replicate intraoral bite recordings. Centric relation recordings may be reproduced in a prosthetic reconstruction with the spatial accuracy of 0.3 mm.