A technique for evaluation of centric relation tooth contacts. Part I: During normal temporomandibular joint function.

An indirect method to locate the first tooth contacts in centric relation was described in this study. Mounted casts with an associated table and styli were used to locate the position of contact points in three planes. The method was tested using the anterior occlusal stop with chin point guidance and bimanual manipulation for recording centric relation. Ten records from one subject were analyzed statistically for each method. At the p less than .05 level of significance, the anterior occlusal stop produced a centric relation position more posterior than that found with bimanual manipulation. There was no statistically significant difference in the vertical and mediolateral planes. The anterior occlusal stop method produced more consistent tooth contacts in all three planes. The centric relation points found on the recording plates correlated well with the initial tooth contacts marked on the cast. This indirect method is an accurate means of recording and reevaluating changes in tooth contact positions in three planes.