Abstract:

Objective　Standards for determining mandibular position, especially the centric relation (CR), are in cont- roversy because of anatomical, neurophysiological factors and research methods or instrument. The purpose of this studywas to re- evaluate the reproducibility of centric relation of the patients with severe dental attrition for oral rehabilitation.Methods　Repro- ducibility of the centric relation of 6 patientswith severe occlusal attritionwas investigated by using D5ADenar fully adjustable ar- ticulator and the Pantronic recording system.Results　①In supine position, anterior-posterior(AP) displacement of centric rela- tion (CR) was 0·14 mm and superior-inferior(SI) displacements of CRwere between 0·11 mm~0·12 mm.②In upright position, anterior-posterior displacement of CR was 0·35 mm and superior-inferior changes of CRwere between 0·13 mm~0·20 mm.Con- clusion　The CR is the most stable and reproducible position of mandibule in normal stomatological system and is useful as a ref- erence position in occlusal treatment and functional rehabilitation.

Key words: centric relation, condylar position, reproducibility