“Occlusal Plane Orientor”: An Innovative and Efficient Device for Occlusal Plane Orientation

Abstract

Correct occlusal plane orientation is a prerequisite in Prosthodontic reconstructive treatment therapy as it helps in achieving esthetics and phonetics anteriorly and forms a milling surface posteriorly where tongue and buccinator muscle position the food bolus during mastication. Activity of Muscles during clenching will be least, when the occlusal plane is made parallel to plane of lost natural teeth. Conventionally the ala-tragus line (Camper's plane) is used as a guide for assessment of the occlusal plane and fox plane is used to check the parallelism between the two. Occlusal plane orientor is a new device developed to mark occlusal plane parallel to ala-tragus line on maxillary occlusion rim, thereby saving clinician's time and increasing efficiency. Additionally, it is a useful tool for occlusal plane orientation in patients with facial deformity, absence of an eye or an ear.