Comparison of Jaw Tracking Devices
 

Introduction: The masticatory system has been analyzed for many years, but the methods used record statistic points or single positions of the mandible (e.g., protrusion, excursion, etc.). The masticatory system is, however, dynamic, and the main component lies in the mandible.(4) The study and treatment of the stomatognathic system is called “gnathology”. Transferring patient information to a properly selected articulator allows the dentist and technician to more accurately evaluate and design restorations that will later be delivered to the patient. Various devices have been developed to record and analysis the mandibular movement for more than a century.(5)There are methods using mechanical devices with graphical methods involving marking needles, recording styli and pantographs,(5)Photographic techniques (4)Roentgenographic methods(5), two systems of magnetometry, the mandibular Kinesiograph,(6)and the Sirognathograph. Optoelectronic tracking systems obtain mandibular movements using cameras to tracking the spatial position of light-emitting diodes. The aim of this presentation is to briefly introduce and compare two devices which are available at Boston University School of Dental Medicine.