Development of maxillomandibular registration for complete dentures: Usefulness of device with four-point contact on both molar sites

Abstract

When fabricating complete dentures for edentulous jaws, in cases where the alveolar ridge conditions differ significantly between front and back or left and right, or in cases where the mandibular position is unstable due to mandibular deviation, an appropriate occlusal recording may be difficult with the traditional biteplate. In cases with difficult occlusal recording, various innovations to improve the biteplate, such as the Gothic-arch drawing method and biteplate without occlusal contact in the anterior teeth, have been reported, yet they are not always satisfactory. The authors developed a resin occlusal jig (4-point jig) with a flat table in the maxilla and 4 occlusal contacts on the mandibular molars (2 points on each side) as an assistive device for difficult occlusal recording cases. This device can be incorporated into the conventional biteplate, can reproduce the selective pressurization state, and has a function similar to the Gothic arch drawing method. The patient wore the device and the occlusion was recorded with light tapping in a relaxed sitting position. Although only a few cases, dentures with less adjustment and chair time were obtained in most difficult cases.