Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate an optimum condition for tapping movements for bite registration. The closing path of inicisal and condylar tracking points were measured with a system for recording jaw movements in 6 degrees of freedom during tapping mevements in five normal subjects under various conditions such as different head positions (Camper plane, Frankfort plane; parallel to the floor), tapping frequency (2 Hz, 3 Hz), and interincisal distance (20 mm, 30 mm).
The most stable position of the condyle was found by plotting both tracking points, on which almost pure mandibular rotation was observed. Each tapping condition was evaluated by comparing the incisal path's range of rotation of the vertical component, which was termed the rotation value of the mandible.
Results: When the head was positioned on the Camper plane, with a 3 Hz tapping frequency at a interincisal distance of 30 mm, the highest rotation value was found ; the most posterior closing path of the mandible recorded at the most condylar stable position did not cause posterior displacement of the condyle.
It is concluded that a reliable bite registration can be obtained by using the most posterior closing path of the mandible as reference when the above mentioned tapping conditions are met.
