Elsevier

Dental Abstracts

Volume 62, Issue 2, March–April 2017, Page 83
Dental Abstracts

Hands On
Face bow transfer unnecessary

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.denabs.2016.09.023Get rights and content

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Background

The face bow is designed to transfer the arbitrarily determined rotational axis of the condyles to the opening and closing axis of the articulator and to attach the maxillary occlusal plane cant to the upper arm of the articulator. Its usefulness for prosthodontic purposes and in planning orthognathic surgery has been questioned, with evidence gathered from a systematic review of electronic databases.

Methods

The PubMed, MEDLINE, Firefox, and Google databases were searched for relevant studies, preferably randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and studies using cinefluorography. Thirteen studies were identified, along with one Internet video, that offered strong evidence regarding the use of the face bow.

Results

The studies were divided into those investigating prosthetic appliances, those focused on occlusal bite splints, those reporting orthognathic surgical procedures, and those using cinefluorography. The use of a face bow was not associated with any significant improvement in the delivery of prostheses or in surgical outcomes. It demonstrated no improved speech outcomes and no greater fit of prostheses. The face bow had nothing to do with ridge morphology, facial contouring, improvement in color

Discussion

The face bow technique is taught in dental school and accepted as the best practice in many cases. However, no evidence supports face bow use in dental practice, so it could be discontinued and the curriculum could be changed without any adverse effect on patient care. Advantages may be gained by its elimination, including shortened treatment time and less expense for maintaining the appliance.

Clinical Significance

Complete dentures, occlusal bite splints, and orthognathic surgery are not

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Yohn K: The face bow is irrelevant for making prostheses and planning orthognathic surgery. J Am Dent Assoc 147:421-426, 2016

Reprints available from K Yohn, Biologic and Materials Sciences and Div of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Univ of Michigan, 1393 Dental Bldg, 1011 N University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078; e-mail: [email protected]

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