Comparison of wax ball centric registration technique with Gothic arch tracing: A clinical study

Abstract

Background: Wax-ball centric relation technique is a novel, fast, dentist and patient friendly method of registration of centric position during establishment of jaw relation. Objective: To compare Wax Ball centric registration technique with Gothic arch tracing and record the deviations in recording Wax Ball centric registration technique compared to Gothic arch tracing. Materials and Methods: In a Clinical setting, comparative clinical Trial was conducted among a random sample of 20 elderly patients aged 30-60 years old, centric relation was recorded and compared using Wax Ball and Gothic arch tracing methods. The deviations observed with Wax ball technique compared to Gothic arch tracing method were recorded. Cohen's Kappa test was applied to test the level of agreement between the techniques.Results: Out of the total 20 recordings of wax ball technique, 10 recordings showed deviations (Anterior -3, Posterior-7). The mean deviation was 0.6±0.5mm (Range 0-2mm). Mean anterior deviation was 1.16±0.7mm and mean posterior deviation was 0.92±0.34mm. There was fair agreement between the two methods. (66.66%-agreement, Cohen's Kappa value=0.39). Conclusion: Wax-ball centric relation technique could be a useful, fast and user-friendly method to record centric position.