Comparing condylar position repeatability for standardized versus nonstandardized methods of achieving centric relation.
BACKGROUND
Centric relation has often been mentioned as a repeatable condylar position.


OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to determine whether a standardized method of achieving centric relation would be repeatable within the 0.11 mm tolerance of the Denar Centri-Check instrument.


METHODS
A control group of 132 dentists and an experimental group of 11 dentists all made interocclusal records on the members of the experimental group. The control group used its "own best method" for achieving centric relation and the experimental group received standardized instruction and used a standardized technique of bimanual manipulation to achieve centric relation.


RESULTS
The control group did not repeat condylar position within the 0.11 mm tolerance of the Denar Centri-Check instrument, whereas the experimental group did repeat condylar position within the 0.11 mm tolerance of the Denar Centri-Check instrument in 106 of 110 first attempts and in 4 of 4 second attempts.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the extreme variations in recording centric relation, a stronger emphasis should be placed on this important skill in both undergraduate and postgraduate education.
McKee
J R
JR
D016302:Centric Relation; D003725:Dental Articulators / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000502:physiology*; D003765:Models, Dental / Q000592:standards; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results