IMPACT OF ZEROING OF ARTICULATORS ON CONDYLAR GUIDANCE ANGLE

Purpose: This study aims to assess the impact of zeroing on programming articulators on achieving accurate condylar guidance values.

Methods: Thirty participants underwent facebow transfer of the maxillary arch, with casts mounted on Hanau and Artex semi-adjustable articulators with and without zeroing. Following mounting of the mandibular cast with maximum intercuspation, condylar guidance of the articulators was adjusted using protrusive interocclusal records.  Resulting Condylar guidance angles were recorded and compared between groups.

Results: Significant differences in mean values were noted between the Hanau and Artex articulators, regardless of zeroing. However, no significant differences were found within the same articulator when comparing conditions with and without zeroing.

Conclusions:  The difference in the condylar guidance angle between zeroing and non-zeroing of the articulator is minimal and not statistically significant. However, this small variation could potentially impact the accuracy and precision of prosthesis fabrication. Additionally, there is an observable difference in the condylar guidance angle between the Hanau and Artex articulators, when comparing measurements with and without zeroing.