Comparative Evaluation of Two Techniques in Achieving Balanced Occlusion in Complete Dentures

BackgroundThis study was undertaken to evaluate new technique, which claims to reduce treatment time while retaining the quality of treatment. The aim of this study was to compare complete dentures made by two techniques: with the use of face bow and without the use of face bow.MethodsTwenty edentulous subjects were selected and each one received two pairs of complete dentures. Dentures were made from duplicated casts and each one followed different techniques. One technique used face-bow. Teeth were set using individualized wax rims as guides. In other technique an articulator was used, which avoids face-bow and teeth were set by the cast-analysis method. The number of occlusal contacts in centric relation and excursive movements were registered, in addition to this the opinion of patients regarding denture bearing during oral functions were taken.ResultBoth groups had dentures with balanced occlusion, but the technique that avoids face-bow presented better results in regard to time taken, esthetics, comfort and stability. Balanced occlusion was provided even without face-bow and could be an alternative to obtain adequate complete dentures with a better prognosis.ConclusionFor achieving better quality of denture in the form of esthetics, phonetics and function in short duration of time; a new technique was used to establish balanced occlusion in complete denture prostheses.