Repeatability and reproducibility of facebow transfer using an earpiece facebow in edentulous patients

Abstract

Facebow record has shown questionable results with respect to its effect on outcome of complete denture and also its reliability while transferring the record. The purpose of this study was to observe the repeatability and reproducibility of facebow transfer using an earpiece facebow in edentulous patients. 10 patients with completely edentulous maxilla, undergoing treatment for complete denture were included in this study. The maxillary wax occlusal rims after the adjustments were duplicated to low fusing impression compound. 3 points were marked on the facial surface of the rims: right molar region, left molar region and in the midline. An adjustable platform was fitted onto the lower member of the articulator. Facebow transfer was performed using earpiece facebow by three observers: A, B and C; where observer A performed the procedure thrice and observers B and C performed it once each. Measurements were made between the three marked points and the adjustable platform on the articulator using a digital Vernier caliper. The p value was found to be insignificant in both intra-observer and inter-observer comparison with respect to all three markings. In intra-observer comparison range of deviation amongst all three markings was found to be in between 3.07 and 4.04 mm; and in inter-observer comparison it was found to between 3.33 and 3.47 mm. Within the limitations of the study, Facebow transfer using an earpiece facebow in edentulous patients was found to be a reproducible and repeatable procedure