Correlation between sagittal condylar guidance angles obtained using radiographic and protrusive occlusal record methods

PURPOSE: This study compared the SCGAs measured in three types of radiographic images (panoramic, CBCT panoramic-section, and CBCT cross-section images) with values measured using the protrusive occlusal record. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SCGAs were measured in 20 patients on a semi-adjustable articulator using the protrusive interocclusal record. Panoramic and CBCT images were obtained. SCGAs were measured on CBCT images in panoramic and cross sections. In all of the radiographic images, SCGAs were measured using the Frankfort horizontal reference line and the mean curvature line. The most-superior and most-inferior points of the curvatures were identified to determine the mean curvature line. Each measurement was performed twice by two operators independently. The data were analyzed by the t-test, Pearson's correlation test, and Cronbach's α using SPSS (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean right and left SCGAs were as follows: protrusive occlusal record (30.1 and 30.2 degrees, respectively), panoramic (38.9 and 38.7 degrees), CBCT panoramic sections (35.4 and 36.8 degrees), and CBCT cross sections (35.3 and 36.1 degrees). The SCGAs differed significantly among the groups. The Pearson coefficients for the correlations with the protrusive occlusal record measurements on the left and right sides were as follows: panoramic (0.834 and 0.791, respectively), CBCT panoramic-section (0.918 and 0.837), and CBCT cross-section (0.918 and 0.845) images. CONCLUSION: Strong correlations were found between SCGAs obtained using radiographic images and the protrusive occlusal record.