ABSTRACT
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In the Protar articulator, the models are almost parallel with the Camper's plane. The ultrasonic-based ARCUSdigma system is basis for the determination of dynamic function parameters with so-called "articulator related registration". PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the sagittal condylar guidance angles found by use of the wax protrusive records in a semi-adjustable articulator(KaVo Protar 7) with those found by use of the Axiograph(ARCUSdigma). 83 volunteers with intact dentition participated in this study after obtainment of informed consent. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The sagittal condylar guidance angles were measured and estimated statistically by semi-articulator and Axiograph. All the readings were in degrees. No control was used in this project. To test whether there was a significant difference between the 2 independent samples, paired t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were carried out(p=.05). RESULTS: 1. The mean results for the wax protrusive records were as follow: right side (32.65 degrees, SD 16.48); left side (33.27 degrees, SD 17.49). 2. The mean results for the Axiograph were as follow: right side (32.26 degrees, SD 7.00); left side (33.07 degrees, SD 7.58). 3. There was no statistical difference on the wax protrusive records and Axiograph(p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both methods of wax protrusive records and Axiograph are clinically acceptable for measuring the sagittal condylar guidance angles in semi-adjustable articulators.