Walker's improvements of Bonwill's system

Abstract

Walker called attention to faults in recognized theories and methods on the basis of studies of anatomy and physiology. He constructed the first adjustable articulator, as well as an apparatus with which the direction and extent of the condyle path could be measured. He found that the average sagittal condyle path was 35 degrees. (About 10 years later, Gysi 5 stated that 33 degrees was the average in Switzerland.) Walker also reproduced the occlusion of natural teeth on his articulator. Walker observed that the condyle of the working side moved upward and backward during a lateral movement of the mandible from centric occlusion. This movement of the condyles into their most retruded position from centric occlusion has often been observed 6,7 and has caused much confusion in the discussion of centric occlusion.