Determination of Incisal Point as Anterior Guide to Transfer Maxillary Casts to Articulator: A Pilot Study

Despite the importance to use face-bow record for transferring maxillary cast to articulator some dentists use average points to avoid the time taken and ease of use. The location of incisal point could help to set the maxillary cast or denture in an appropriate position in mounting stage. This study was designed to determine the incisal point location in antero-posterior and vertical dimensions in different facial forms and genders. Methods Dental casts were obtained from the maxillary jaw of 44 dental students (male and female) and subsequently transferred to the articulator using an ear bow. The three dimensional location of the incisal point in relation to condylar axis was determined using a Coordinated Measuring Machine (CMM).Collected data were compared between male and female participants as well as those of oval, squared and tapered faces. For data analysis Student t test was employed to make the comparisons. Results The mean distance between the incisal point and the center of the condylar axis in antero-posterior and vertical dimensions was 81.28 mm and 42.85 mm respectively. The mean antero-posterior distance was significantly higher among male students (Ρ<0.05). The mean vertical dimensions did not show any significant difference between male and female students (P>0.05). In square facial form, the mean antero-posterior distance was significantly higher compared to the ovoid facial form (P<0.05). Conclusion The differences on incisal points were significant between the two genders only in antero-posterior dimension. A similar finding was noted on square facial form when compared to ovoid facial form. The incisal point was more consistent with the Frankfurt mounting platform compare to Bonwill index.