A clinical study of the variation in horizontal condylar guidance obtained by using three anterior points of reference and two different articulator systems

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For mounting the maxillary cast to articulator, minimum three reference points not on single line, decide the plane to which maxillary cast is mounted. Variations exist in condylar guidance when different anterior reference points are used to mount the cast. Type of articulator may have influence on condylar guidance. A clinical study was planned to evaluate the effects of different anterior points of reference and two different articulator systems on condylar guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 15 subjects were selected. Six sets of maxillary casts were obtained. Face bow record was made using orbitale as anterior point of reference and the record was transferred to the Arcon and Non-Arcon articulator. The second and third mounting on Arcon and Non-Arcon articulator were done using Superior and inferior annular groove on incisal pin of articulator. Protrusive interocclusal records were made for all the subjects. Two lateral cephalograms one in maximum intercuspation and the other in protrusion for left and right side were taken. Anatomic condylar guidance of the subject were obtained from radiograph tracing. Arcon and Non-arcon articulator were programmed with Protrusive interocclusal record of the subjects and the condylar guidance was tabulated for right and left side. The procedure was repeated for all three mountings for both the articulators. RESULTS: The orbitale is the best reference point which mounts maxillary cast closer to anatomic position. Inferior annular groove can also be used as anterior point of the reference. The superior annular groove is not recommended anterior point of reference.