A Comparison of Two Methods to Articulate a Maxillary Cast with Lateral Cephalometry

A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS TO ARTICULATE A MAXILLARY CAST WITH LATERAL CEPHALOMETRY Laura H. Lux D.D.S Marquette University, 2014 The Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer, an arbitrary articulation system, is used by clinicians to articulate and evaluate clinical cases. There is, however, limited information for understanding how the Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer should be utilized. Dr. Kois and Dr. Lee originally patented the device in 2003 yet there is essentially no evidence-based research in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of articulating the maxillary cast using the Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer in three-dimensions as compared to the position of the cast when using Panadent’s Pana-Mount Facebow. Fifteen dried human skulls were used as test subjects. Maxillary diagnostic impressions were made on each skull as well as lateral cephalometric radiographs. Each diagnostic cast was articulated on a Panadent articulator according to the manufacturer’s instructions by means of the Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer as well as the Pana-Mount facebow. Standardized photographs of each articulation were then taken from a lateral view. From the cephalometric radiograph, key landmarks and measurements were made including the distance from the condylar center to the incisal edge and the occlusal plane angle relative to Frankfort Horizontal Plane. From the photographs taken of each articulation, the distance from the articular centers to the incisal edge position was measured, as was the occlusal plane angle relative to Frankfort Horizontal Plane. Finally, the three-dimensional position of each articulation was located and compared by means of the Panadent CPI III device. Statistical analysis was completed for the data collected. From this study, the following conclusions were made: 1. The Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer articulates the maxillary cast in a position that is not statistically different to the Pana-Mount facebow when comparing the incisal edge position and occlusal plane angle relative to Frankfort Horizontal. 2. Both the Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer and the Pana-Mount facebow locate the maxillary incisal edge position in a significantly different position compared to the skull. 3. Both the Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer and the Pana-Mount facebow produce occlusal plane angles that are not significantly different than the angle on the skull. 4. The three dimensional location of the maxillary cast varies approximately 810 mm at the condyles.