Occlusal Plane Analyzer: A Customized Device for Determining the Occlusal Plane

Abstract

Since times immemorial, dentists have faced the challenge of providing accord between function and esthetics. The occlusal plane, lost in patients rendered edentulous, should be relocated if complete dentures are to be esthetically and functionally satisfactory. Changes in the plane of occlusion modify the physical and functional relationship of the oral musculature leading to an alteration in function, comfort and also the esthetic value. Considering the importance of the accurate establishment of the location and the effect of the inclination of the established occlusal plane on function, esthetics and speech, a method to conform it to the occlusal plane that existed in the natural teeth seems necessary. This paper describes a custom-made instrument to check for the parallelism of ala-tragus line to the occlusal plane and also to check for the parallelism of occlusal plane to interpupillary line.

Broadrick Occlusal Plane Analyzer

“…There are also a number of instruments which has been proposed over the time for orientation of the occlusal plane. Back in 1952, JE Scott described an instrument called "the bite plane leveler" which consist of two flat, horizontally curved, parallel bars [2] . The downside of this instrument is that it only be used to check the parallelism of occlusal plane to the ala-targus line [2] .…”

“…Back in 1952, JE Scott described an instrument called "the bite plane leveler" which consist of two flat, horizontally curved, parallel bars [2] . The downside of this instrument is that it only be used to check the parallelism of occlusal plane to the ala-targus line [2] . The use of J-plane" with the use of a fox plane to establish the occlusal plane orientation was suggested by Nikzad s Javid in 1974 [2] .…”

“…The downside of this instrument is that it only be used to check the parallelism of occlusal plane to the ala-targus line [2] . The use of J-plane" with the use of a fox plane to establish the occlusal plane orientation was suggested by Nikzad s Javid in 1974 [2] . This instrument was meant to be used instead of a metallic scale [2] .…”

“…In case of the occlusal plane, instead of flat surfaces, it represents the average curvature of the occlusal surfaces. [1] The term "plane" is better explained in the glossary of prosthodontic terms [2] .It defines the occlusal plane as "the average plane established by the incisal and occlusal surfaces of the teeth" [2] .The occlusal plane has its own benefits, both anteriorly and posteriorly. It helps in the mastication,posteriorly and in the anterior region it helps in the phonetics and aesthetics [2] .Functionally , one of the key factors that governs the occlusal balance is the inclination of the occlusal plane [2] .Any changes, even the slightest bit in the plane of occlusion will modify both the physical and functional relationship of the oral musculature, which will result in an alteration in the comfort, function as well as the aesthetic value [2] .…”

Full Mouth Rehabilitation Involving Occlusal Plane Correction-Case Report

“…Altered occlusal plane affects masticatory efficiency, esthetics, phonetics and stomatognathic balance, especially proprioceptive control of muscles. 3 Most importantly, it prevents certain teeth (like canines) in their respective arches to provide natural protection to other teeth. Therefore, in any complex occlusal rehabilitation, correction of altered occlusal plane should be one of the primary goals.…”