Dr. Rathin D. Das
MDS Prosthodontics, Center Head at Illusion Training and Education Center, Mumbai.
Ex Professor and HOD YMT Dental College, Navi Mumbai.
ABSTRACT :
The facebow is an instrument used to record the spatial relationship of the maxillary arch in patient and then transfer this same relationship to the opening axis of the articulator. The terminal hinge axis plus one other anterior point serves to locate the maxillae in space. Facebow is indicated for various procedures in dentistry like balanced occlusion in eccentric positions, full mouth rehabilitation, diagnostic mountings, gnathological studies, occlusal correction after denture processing,
Keywords: Facebow, orientation jaw relation
Citations: Das R. Clinical Steps to Record Facebow. J Prosthodont Dent Mater 2021;2(1): 68-69.
INTRODUCTION :
An accurate determination, recording and transfer of jaw relation records from patients to the articulator is essential for the dental restoration function, facial appearance and maintenance of patient's oral health.1-3 During prosthodontic treatment, it is important for both the dentist and the dental technician to construct indirect restorations that are well fitted in patient’s masticatory system in a minimum amount of time and effort. The face-bow has been regarded as an indispensable accessory of semi-adjustable articulators for transferring the maxillary cast. When the face-bow is used, maxillary and mandibular casts are mounted in relation to the temporomandibular joints and in close proximity to the condylar hinge axis.
Clinical steps for recording facebow:
1. Set the bitefork:
Seat the patient in a comfortable position. The patients head should be upright with head rest supporting the occiput. Rigid, repeatable bite registration material is dispensed on the bitefork. Place the bitefork along the upper arch curvature and ask the patient to bite on the bitefork.
2. Place the facebow:
Take the U-shaped frame to the patient. With the assistance of patient, place the condylar rods snuggly into patient’s external auditory meatus.
3. Adjust the anterior reference point:
Tighten the nasion relator after relating it to anatomical landmark, the facebow should be steady while doing so. Avoid over tightening of the nasion relator to prevent loosening.
4. Connect transfer jig assembly:
Attach the bitefork to the transfer assembly and then tighten the screws that fits on the facebow. Orient the rods perpendicular to each other and tighten all the screws. Detach the facebow from patient, pack and dispatch it to the lab.
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REFERENCES :
1. Thorp ER, Smith DE, Nicholls JI. Evaluation of the use of a face-bow in complete denture occlusion. J Prosthet Dent. 1978;39:5–15.
2. Zarb GA, Hobkirk J, Eckert S, Jacob R. Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients: Complete Denture and Implant Supported Prostheses. South Asia Edition: Elsevier; 2015.
3. Brotman DN. Hinge axes Part II. Geometric significance of the transverse axis. J Prosthet Dent. 1960;10:436–40.
4. Driscoll CF, Freilich MA, Guckes AD, Knoernschild KL & McGarry TJ. The glossary of prosthodontic terms, GPT-9. J Prosthet Dent. 2017;117:E1–105.
5. Carlsson GE. Critical review of some dogmas in prosthodontics. J Prosthodont Res. 2009;53:3–10.
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