Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the mandibular condylar position between two centric relation recording methods: Active self-induced type and chin-point manipulation. Method: In a convenient sample of 9 subjects (5 females and 4 males), the condylar position variation was determined in the 18 temporomandibular joints by means of a spiral tomography radiographic technique. To standardize the thickness of the registration material, a Neff anterior deprogramming appliance was used. Results: It was observed that with the chin-point technique, the condyle adopted a significantly more superior (72.2%) and posterior (55.6%) position compared to the active self-induced technique (p<0.001, t-test). Regarding magnitudes, chinpoint produced an average of 1.5mm cephalic and 1.1mm posterior displacements, using the position obtained with the active self-induced technique as a reference. Conclusions: Chin-point technique generates a more superior and posterior condylar position that the one determined by the active self-induced.