Condylar position analysis: a modified procedure for improved feasibility and reliability

Condylar position analysis enables the quantitative comparison of the condylar position under differing conditions. A distinction is made between indirect condylar position analysis using stationary condylar position measuring instruments and records and the condylar position analysis performed directly on the patient. For the condylar position analysis using a stationary condylar position measuring instrument, the maxillary model was, until now, first mounted in the articulator; this was followed by bite registration procedures on the patient and the mounting of the mandibular model according to the centric bite record. The measuring procedure and its evaluation did not take place until after completion of these steps. This article describes a modified procedure that enables a condylar position analysis to be performed using a stationary measuring instrument immediately after the registration of the jaw position. To this purpose, the mandibular model is mounted in the articulator in the habitual occlusion prior to the bite registration appointment. The measurements in the condylar position measuring instrument are made on the basis of this position. To improve the reliability of the condylar position analysis with the stationary condylar position measuring instrument, the bite transfer templates should be used for positioning the jaw models. Keywords: condylar position analysis, instrumental functional analysis, habitual occlusion, centric jaw relation, reliability, validity