Comparative evaluation of sagittal inclination of the occlusal plane with Frankfort horizontal plane in facebow transfers to semiadjustable and fully adjustable articulators

Statement of problem The optimal procedure for the transfer of the sagittal inclination of the occlusal plane (OP) to semiadjustable and fully adjustable articulators is unclear. Purpose The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate and compare the sagittal inclination of the OP with the Frankfort horizontal plane (FHP) on a facebow transfer to semiadjustable and fully adjustable articulators. Material and methods Facebow transfers (Hanau Spring-Bow; Whip Mix Corp) of 30 participants were recorded and transferred to a semiadjustable articulator (Hanau Wide-Vue; Whip Mix Corp) using the indirect method. Another set of facebow transfers from the same set of 30 participants using another facebow (Denar Slidematic Facebow; Whip Mix Corp) was recorded and transferred to a fully adjustable articulator (Denar D5A; Whip Mix Corp). The angle between the OP of the mounted cast and the upper member of the articulator was measured in each participant with a digital protractor on both articulators. Standardized lateral cephalograms of each participant were made as a control. The FHP and OP were traced on each standardized lateral cephalogram. The angle on the cephalogram between the FHP and OP was measured. These values were compared with previously measured values for the Hanau Wide-Vue and the Denar D5A articulators. The data were analyzed using ANOVA. Intergroup comparisons between and among the Hanau Wide-Vue, Denar D5A, and lateral cephalograms were performed using the independent t test. Results No statistically significant difference was found between the Hanau Wide-Vue and Denar D5A articulators compared with the lateral cephalograms (P=.06). In the intergroup comparison, no statistically significant differences were found between the Hanau Wide-Vue and Denar D5A articulators (P=.18). No statistically significant differences were found between the values obtained on the Hanau Wide-Vue and lateral cephalograms (P=.06). When the Denar D5A articulator was compared with the lateral cephalograms, there was a statistically significant difference (P=.02). Conclusions The Hanau Wide-Vue articulator most closely replicated the inclination of the OP. Regarding the sagittal inclination of the OP, the semiadjustable articulator can provide more accurate results than a fully adjustable articulator and thus eliminates occlusal errors.