The reliability

complete
Dale

of pre-extraction

records

for

dentures

E. Smith,

D.D.S.,

M.S.D.*

United States Public Health Service Hospital,

Seattle, Wash.

Lh e d etermination of the occlusal vertical dimension and the proper positioning

of the anterior teeth are major factors in making complete dentures which will
give optimum service. Immediate dentures, of course, simplify these determinations,
but with other complete dentures, the dentist must rely on factors which are
subject to many variables and which require considerable clinical judgment. This
type of judgment can be acquired only with much clinical experience.
The wider use of reliable pre-extraction records would be a great assist in more
accurately determining these factors. The rest vertical dimension, which is the most
common starting point for determining the occlusal vertical dimension, is subject
to much variation, especially in edentulous patients.l Without previous records,
the position of the anterior teeth must be determined by the dentists esthetic sense,
relationship of the teeth to the ridges, measurements relative to the lip length,
and the use of phonetics. All of these require much experience before they can be
used effectively. The need to secure natural tooth position has been stated by
Pound.2 Boucher3 has also stated, The only correct position of a tooth is the one
in which it was placed by Nature. This statement might be modified slightly to
accommodate those patients who have pathologic conditions which have resulted in
undesirable migration of teeth, but it is true for most patients. Even though the best
tooth position might not be exactly Natures, knowledge of Natures position would
be valuable as a starting point in establishing anterior tooth position for every complete denture patient.
The use of pre-extraction records has been advocated for many years, with
many methods proposed for making them. Among these methods are special gauges
Read before the Pacific Coast Society
the Academy of Denture Prosthetics, Detroit,

of Prosthodontists,
Mich.

Victoria,

B. C., Canada,

and

This investigation
was supported by a grant from the Central
Clinical
Investigations
Committee of the Federal Health Programs Service, USPHS.
*Chief,
Dental
Service. Assistant Professor, Department
of Prosthodontics,
School of
Dentistry,
University
of Washington.

592

Volume 25
Number 6

Pre-extraction

recorcls for complete dentures

593

Fig. 1. An example of a pre-extraction lateral cephalometric radiograph.

(e.g., Sorenson ,4 Willis,5 DakometeP)
cardboard or wire profiles,T- measurements
from photographs,7l 8slo measurement
of the interfrenal
distance,ll measurement of
tke closest speaking space,12 measurement between tattoo dots on the gingiva,l
and
use of a gauge oriented on the palate to reproduce tooth position.13 Yet there is
little information
in the literature
as to how reliable these various methods are.
TurreP
has found that on a single dentulous subject four dentists produced more
consistent measurements
with the interfrenal
distance than with the Willis Bite
Gauge. Other reports have been concerned with descriptions of methods or devices
to secure and apply pre-extraction
records. For this reason, a study was designed
to evaluate the reliability
of five methods of securing pre-extraction
records of the
occlusal vertical
dimension
and three methods of locating the maxillary
incisor
point.

METHOD
Fourteen patients who required extraction
of all remaining teeth were selected
as subjects. The principal criteria for selection were that definite occlusal stops were
present, and that at least one maxillary
central incisor was present. Most of these
were patients who elected for one reason or another not to have immediate
dentures constructed. Those who were treated with immediate dentures had edentulous
impressions made, and the pre-extraction
records were applied to them in the same
manner as for the non-immediate
denture patients.
The five types of pre-extraction
occlusal vertical dimension records were: (1)
distance,
the Sorenson Profile Scale,* (2) t h e cardboard profile, (3) the interfrenal
(4) measurement
between tattoo dots on the gingiva,
and (5) the nose-chin
-Dento-Profile Scale Company, Fond du lac, Wk.

594 Smith

J. Prosth. Dent.
June, 1971

Fig. 2. The strip of metal used to mark the incisor point is placed on the left side of the midline. The tattoo dots are visible above and below the reduced flange of the baseplates.

Fig. 3. An example

of a cephalometric

radiograph

from which

measurements

were made.

distance measured with a plastic ruler. The three maxillary

incisor point records
were:
(1) the Sorenson Profile Scale, (2) a pointer attached to the cardboard
profile, and (3) a cast-locator
of my own design.
Two lateral cephalometric
radiographs
were made with the patients teeth in
centric occlusion at the time when pre-extraction
records were secured (Fig. 1).
These served as standards to measure the effectiveness of the pre-extraction
records
as well as serving to determine
the amount of experimental
error. The patients
were repositioned
in the cephalostat
after the first film was made. A BroadbentBolton Cephalometer
was used throughout
this study.

Volume 25
Number 6

Fig. 4. The
the maxillary

Pre-extraction

Sorenson Profile
incisor point.

records for com$ete

Scale bein, o- used to record

the occlusal

dentures

vertical

dimension

595

and

After the necessary healing period, denture construction

was begun by making
metallic
oxide paste final impressions. During
the testing phase which was accclmplished at the registration
appointment,
an initial occlusal plane was established
at the level of the upper lip. The five methods for pre-extraction
records were
used in random order to establish the occlusal vertical dimension. This was done
by over-reducing
the lower occlusion rim, adding softened baseplate wax to the
anterior section, and having the patient close until the occlusal vertical dimension
W.SS reached.
Only the pre-extraction
record was used to determine
the level.
Softened baseplate wax was added to the posterior section to provide posterior
stlops in centric relation. A hard type of baseplate wax was used because it was
more stable during the succeeding cephalometric
radiographic
procedures.
The
in.cisor point was then located by removing baseplate wax, or adding soft wax as
necessary to the labial contour until the proper contour was reached according
to the pre-extraction
record. A strip of metal 0.5 mm. thick and 2 mm. wide was
then added to the wax rim so that this location could be recorded on the radiographic film (Fig. 2). A cephalometric
radiograph
was then made for each method
to record the occlusal vertical dimension and the location of the maxillary
incisor
point (Fig. 3).

DESCRIPTION OF PRE-EXTRACTION RECORD TECHNIQUES

The Sorenson Profile Scale. The nasion locator of the instrument
in the depression at the bridge of the nose. It was seated rather firmly

was placed
and pressed

596

Smith

Fig. 5. Plumbers perforated pipe strapping was adapted to the facial contour for use as a
tray. The patient is placed in a reclined position for making the profile impression.
Fig. 6. Irreversible hydrocolloid is used for making the profile impression.

against the inferior part of the frontal bone in that region. The chin seat was
raised until it lightly contacted the most inferior border of the chin as well as the
most anterior part of the chin. The records were made without looking at the
measuring scale until the proper level for the chin seat was reached. Then the
scale was read and the measurements were recorded.
The incisor point was also located with the pointer while the chin seat was
lightly contacting the chin. This was read in a similar manner with both vertical
and horizontal measurements being recorded. Three records were made of each
value and the readings were averaged to serve as the pre-extraction record.
When this record was used during denture construction (Fig. 4)) the occlusal vertical dimension was established first, followed by the incisor point. Every
effort was made to use the instrument in a manner consistent with the method in
which the pre-extraction record was made.
The cardboard
profile record. The method followed was one suggested by
Ballard.14 Perforated plumbers pipe strapping was contoured to the face to serve
as a tray (Fig. 5). With the patient in a reclining position, irreversible hydrocolloid was traced onto the midline of the face from the glabella to the inferior
border of the chin. Additional hydrocolloid was placed on the tray and this was
eased gently over that previously placed, so that the right edge of the tray was
over the midline (Fig. 6). After setting and removal, the hydrocolloid was cut
along the midline and the resulting profile was traced onto a cardboard file folder
(Fig. 7). This outline was then used to cut out a cardboard profile (Fig. 8)) which
served as an initial record that always needed some correction. This was done
by marking with a pencil and making additional cuts. If improper cuts were made,
additional pieces of cardboard were added with a stapler and a correct contour
was secured. The maxillary incisor point was located by placing the tip of a
cardboard pointer between the central incisors at their most labial and inferior
contour. This pointer was then taped to the profile record and, after removal from
the face, stapled to place. It was folded back when not in use.
When the cardboard profile .was used to make the occlusal determinations it
was used in a manner similar to that with the Sorenson Profile Scale.
The inter/renal
distance. With the lip retracted so that the frenum was

Vobme 25
Number 6

Pre-extraction

records for complete

dentures

597

Fig. 8

Fig.

Fii;. 7. After trimming,

the impression was used to draw a profile

guide on a cardboard

file

folder.
FiK. 8. The

the maxillary

completed

cardboard

profile

record.

The

cardboard

pointer

was used to locate

incisor point.

stretched, a fine indelible dot was placed so that its margin was at the most OCclusal part of the attachment for both upper and lower frenums. A pair of dividers
with very fine points was used to measure the interfrenal
distance between the
margins of these dots (Fig. 9). The distances between the dividers were measured
with the same plastic ruler used throughout
the study. Three separate determinations were made and a mean was determined to use as a pre-extraction
record. NO
surgery was done on any of the labial frenums of these subjects.
During the application
of the interfrenal
distance, a portion of the labial flange
ol each recording base was removed to expose the labial frenums (Fig. 10). Then
the occlusal vertical dimension was established with the dividers using the mean
pre-extraction
measurement
with the indelible
dots placed as before.
Tattoo dots. This method has been proposed by Silverman.12 Before extraction,
India ink tat.toos were placed on the patients upper and lower gingivae to the
left of the midline, midway between the attached gingivae and the depth of the
vestibule. Dividers were used to make three measurements between these dots while
the patients teeth were in centric occlusion (Fig. 11). The mean of these measurements was used as the pre-extraction
record. These records were used in a manner
similar to that with the interfrenal
distance.
Nose-chin distance. Because of its relative simplicity,
this method was included.
It consists of using a plastic ruler and a tongue depressor to measure the distance

598

J. Prosth. Dent.
June, 1971

Smith

Fig. 9. Fine dividers were used to measure the interfrenal

placed at the base of each frenum.

distance. Indelible

marks were

Fig. 10. The dividers were used in this manner to establish the occlusal vertical dimension
with the interfrenal distance.
between the base of the nasal septum and the inferior contour of the chin. The top
of the ruler is placed so that it lightly contacts the nose at a place that is horizontal
or at the base where there is often a small single line in the skin. The tongue
blade is then placed at right angles to this ruler and brought into light contact
with the most inferior contour on the chin (Fig. 12). This can be done in a
reproducible
manner within surprisingly
narrow limits. Three measurements were
made and the mean was used as the pre-extraction
record.
of my design which alIncisor point locator. This method used an instrument
lowed transfer of the location of the maxillary
incisor point from a pre-extraction

diagnostic cast (Fig. 13) to the edentulous occlusion rim, Irreversible hydro-

Volume 25
Nu:nber 6

Fig. 11. In using the tattoo

dimension.

Pre-extraction

dot method,

Fig. 12. The plastic ruler and tongue

nose-chin distance. Only light contact
tl> the ruler.

dividers

records for complete

were used to measure

dentures

the occlusal

599

vertical

blade methods were used in this way to measure the

is used, and the tongue blade is kept at right angles

colloid was placed without a tray into the palate of the wet diagnostic cast and
over the central incisors (Fig. 14). After setting, it was trimmed through the midline to a point just posterior to the incisive papilla. A cut was made at right angles
to the previous cut through the right cuspid area so that the section anterior to
it could be removed. Then the labial contour of the left central incisor was exposed

600

J. Prosth. Dent.
June, 1971

Smith

Fig.

Fig. 13

Fig. 13. Pre-extraction

diagnostic casts are
an integraI part of ail methods of securing
pre-extraction
records.
They
should
be
trimmed so that the posterior
art portion
positions the teeth in centric occlusion.
Fig. 14. Irreversible
hydrocolloid
in position over the diagnostic

is shown
cast.

Fig.

Fig. 15. An anterior section of the impression was removed extending

through
the
incisor
point.
The impression
is shown
positioned
on the master cast after the
teeth were removed.

Table

I. Error

Mean
S.D.
S.E.;

of the experimental

method

Vertical dimension
(14 patients)
(mm.)

Incisor goint
(14 patients)
(mm.1

0.3
ro.20
a.06

0.36
0.14
0.04

to view by removing
any remaining
impression material
which had copied the
mesial surface (Fig. 15). The posterior part of the alginate record was trimmed
just anterior
to the estimated
vibrating
line. The edentulous
master cast was
clamped into the locator and the alginate record was positioned on the palate, The
incisive papilla and the median raphe were used as guides in positioning the record.
A pointer was clamped so that the stylus was located at the incisor point (Fig. 16).
The labial contour of the occlusion rim then was trimmed and the midline was
marked so that the occlusal extent corresponded to the pointer (Fig. 17). This was
accepted as the incisor point, and a metal strip was properly positioned at this location. This method was used to record the incisor point when the interfrenal
distance, the tattoo dot distance, or the nose-chin distance was used for determining
the occlusal vertical dimension.

Volmne 25
Number 6

Pre-extraction

records for complete

dentures

601

Fig. I6

Fig. 17

Fig. 16. The edentulous

master cast was clamped in the incisor point locator, and the irreversible hydrocolloid
record was oriented to the palate. The pointer (P) was located over the
maxillary
incisor point. The clamp (C) with a universal joint was used to tighten the pointer.
The collett (CO) allowed the amount of protrusion of the wire (W) to be varied, and when
clamped allowed the pointer to be retracted and returned to the previously determined position.

Fig. 17. The maxillary

incisor point has been established

on the occlusion

rim.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE ON THE CEPHALOMETRIC FILMS

Vertical dimension. This was measured between nasion (the nasofrontal suture)
and menton (the most inferior point on the cross section of the symphysis of the
mandible) (Fig. 18). The films were perforated at these points, and the same
ruler was used to measure all films. Measurements were estimated to the nearest
tJ.1 mm, with the aid of a 7x optical measuring magnifier* capable of measure*Bausch

and Lomb, Inc., Rochester,

N. Y.

602

J. Prosth. Dent.
June. 1971

Smith

m
Fig. 18. These landmarks were used for measurement on the films: (n) nasion; (ans) anterior nasal spine; (ip) maxillary incisor point; (m) menton; (s) sella turcica; (ptm) pterygomaxillary fissure; (op) external occipital protruberance.

c\

\
&

OP

ptm 0

l ans

-!iP

Fig. 19. This is a drawing of a clear template which was used to measure the locations of
the maxillary incisor point determined by the pre-extraction records. (See Fig, 18 for legend).

ment to a 0.1 mm. The difference

between the two pre-extraction

films was acand was 50.3 mm. (Table I).
incisor point. At least four landmarks were located on the skull films
nearly midline points and which were identifiable on all films. The
often used were the nasion, the sella turcica, the anterior nasal spine,
of the pterygomaxillary fissure and the hard palate, and the contour

cepted as the error of the method,

Maxillary
which were
points most
the junction

i%Er2

Pre-extraction

Table II. Error for determining

-

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
a
9
10
11
12
13
14

Arithmetic
SD.
LE.;
Algebraic

mean error

mean

of variation

Between
Between
Residual
Total

methods
subjects

dentures

603

(mm.)

Cardboard
(mm.)

Interfrenal
distance
(mm.1

(mm.1

(mm.)

-2.4
+1.2
-0.9
-tO.8
+1.7
-2.2
-0.2
+2.6
+0.4
+0.6
+1.4
+0.6
-2.1
+0.6

-0.4
+1.6
+0.9
-0.8
+4.6
+0.4
-0.3
+1.3
+I.6
-0.8
-0.4
-0.8
-1.7
+o. 1

-1.9
+0.3
10.5
-0.8
12.0
-2.0
-0.3
+0.7
-3.0
+1.2
-1.7
+1.4
-0.3
-0.1

-1.6
+2.0
-0.9
-2.8
+0.5
-1.6
-0.6
-0.3
-2.9
+0.5
-2.4
-1.4
-1.1
-1.6

-0.4
+2.1
-1.0
-1.6
+1.6
-0.3
+0.4
+l.l
-2.3
+l.O
-1.1
iO.3
+1.2
-1.4

1.26
+o.ao
50.21
50.15

1.12
21.13
20.30
50.38

1.15
20.87
kO.23
-0.29

1.44
to.85
20.23
-0.93

1.13
20.64
kO.19
-0.03

Table Ill. Analysis of variance of the error in determining

dimension
Degrees of
Sum of
Mean
Source

complete

occlusal vertical dimension

Sorenson
Subject

records for

freedom

Tattoo

dots

Nose-chin
distance

the occlusal vertical

squares

square

4
13
52

1.03
14.47
35.10

0.258
1.113
0.675

0.38
1.68

>.05
>.05

69

50.60

of the occipital bone (Fig. 18). Those landmarks which were definite points were
perforated on all films and those which were contours were accentuated with dotted
lines made with a fine-pointed pen and black acetate ink. On the pre-extraction
film, the incisor point was interpreted as the most labial inferior contour of the
central incisors, and the films were perforated in this location.
A clear acetate template was constructed over the first pre-extraction film
(Fig. 19). With the template taped to the film, the perforations of the orientation
points were transferred to the clear acetate, and the contours to be used in orientation were traced on the template with acetate ink. A cross was scribed with a scalpel
over the incisor point. After covering the cross, this template was then transferred to
the second pre-extraction film with the cross covered, and placed so it coincided as
well as possible over the previously selected points and contours. The distance from
the cross on the template to the incisor point was interpreted as the error of the
method which was a mean of 0.36 mm. (Table I). Measurements were made with

604

J. Prosth. Dent.
June, 1971

Smith

Table IV. Error for determining

Subject
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Mean
SD.
LE.;

error

the maxillary

Sorenson
(mm.1

incisor point
Cardboard

Study

cast locator

(mm.1

(mm.1

4.1
1.5
2.8
5.7
1.5
1.1
0.2
1.0
1.9
0.7
1.8
1.6
2.7
3.1

2.7
0.8
1.9
2.1
2.1
1.4
1.4
1.5
1.0
1.8
1.0
1.8
2.6
1.3

2.5
0.0
2.5
3.7
0.7
1.7
0.4
1.2
3.1
0.4
1.3
1.8
2.7
2.0

2.12
k1.46
20.39

1.67
TO.58
to.15

1.70
21.11
20.30

the 7x measuring magnifier. On the test films the same template was used to measure the effectiveness of the pre-extraction records.
The target film distance was 60 inches. All films were subject to the same
enlargement factor, which has been estimated at 6.6 per cent in the median plane
of the sku11.14No compensation was made for this enlargement.
Since the records were applied in a random order, I had no knowledge of
which method was being evaluated when measuring on the films. The films were
identified by number only, and after all measurements were made the method
and measurement were matched. All records and determinations were made by
the author. This was done to eliminate variables in this initial investigation.
RESULTS
Occlusal vertical dimension. The test occlusal vertical dimensions were compared to the mean of the two pre-extraction films, The results are reported in
Table II. The mean differences varied between 1.1 and 1.4 mm., and none of the
differences was significant when subjected to analysis of variance (Table III).
Incisor point. The distance of the incisor point from the pre-extraction location
is shown in Table IV. These values were also subjected to analysis of variance
with there being no significant difference between the methods (Table V) . The
mean errors in the location of the incisor points varied from 1.7 to 2.1 mm.
In 11 films the same incisor point location was used on successive films. This
also served as a measure of the error of the method. The mean difference between
these measurements was 0.28 mm. with a standard deviation of kO.15 mm.
During this study it was recognized that a possibility existed that at least some
of these methods might not be significantly more accurate than others. If this were
true, the least time-consuming method would be the method of choice for use in

Volume 25
Number 6

Pre-extraction

Tluble V. Analysis
Source

of variance

of oariation

Between
Between
Residual

of the error in location

Mean
square

2
13
27

1.73
32.77
15.28

0.865
2.521
0.566

1.53
2.521
0.566

42

49.78

time for pre-extraction

Total
*Diagnostic
casts are required
time to secure impressions.
point

location

605

incisor point
P

>.O.i
<.ot

records on four subjects

Cardboard
(min.)

Securing*
Applying
Vertical
dimension
Incisor point

dentures

of the maxillary

Sum of
squares

Total

tIncisor

complete

Degrees of
freedom

methods
subjects

Table VI. Mean

records for

Interfrenal
distance
(min.)

Tattoo dots
(min.)

Nose-chin
distance
(min.)

2.4

15.8

1.9

5.4

1.6

10.1
t
12.4

9.0
t

10.9
10.5

9.2
10.5
~
25.1

4.2
10.5
16.3

24.8

23.3

on all methods

and required

is included

in the time for locating

clinical
practice.
To provide
some objective
information,
make and use the pre-extraction
records was determined
mean times are recorded in Table VI.

a mean of 10 minutes
the vertical

chair

dimension.

the time required

to
in four subjects. The

DISCUSSION
All of the methods tested gave clinically acceptable pre-extraction
records. The
two extraoral methods, which were the Sorenson Profile Scale and the cardboard
profile, were surprisingly
reliable considering that they make measurements on the
skin which may be subject to some movement.
It is possible that the Sorenson
Profile Scale would be more accurate in locating the incisor point if its incisor
point locator were not somewhat loose, which has been a common problem on
recently purchased instruments
of this type. This looseness is predominantly
in a
lrertical direction, and it affected the accuracy as shown in Fig. 20. It should be
possible to design an instrument
of this general type which would be more precise
in its measurements.
A mean error of 1.1 to 1.4 mm. in the establishment
of the occlusal vertical
dimension is small compared to the potential
errors from the use of rest position
and interocclusal
distance. Atwood1 has reviewed some of the variables in determining
rest position. The principal
sources of variation
in determining
the occlusal vertical
dimension by the rest position and interocclusal
distance method
are as follows. (1) The removal of the remaining
occlusal contacts results in
closure of the rest vertical dimension.
(2) There is variability
in determining
the
rest vertical dimension within the same sitting, especially between methods (phonetics, swallowing,
observation).
(3) There is a variability
between sittings. (4)

J. Prosth. Dent.
June, 1971

606 Smith

.4--sup.
2-- 0

post.
4

IA0
20

l
2

mm.
4

. ..
0 II
I
.2

ant.
4

.
t

inf.

Fig. 20. Distribution

of the error in determining
the maxillary
incisor point with the Sorenson Profile Scale. Most of the errors occurred in a vertical direction except for the one which
was 5.7 mm. posteriorly.

Table VII. Typical variations found by previous investigators in determining

occlusal vertical dimension for edentulous patients

the

Range
(mm.1
Rest vertical dimension
Removal of teeth (mean)
Within sittings (mean)
Between sittings (mean)
With and without dentures

-2.10*
1.1
1.5
0.36$

(mean)

Interocclusal
distance
Natural dentition

*Without

dentures soon after prosthetic

tWithout

dentures,

Tallgrenls
Coulombelr
Swerdlowr*
Tallgrenls

-5.55t
2.22
3.2
3.6s

Tallgrenrs
Swerdlow*s
Atwood19
Tallgrenrs

Swerdlowls

9.5

Swerdlowrs

treatment.

7 years after treatment.

$Complete

dentures,

$Complete

dentures soon after prosthetic

7 years after treatment.

treatment.

The rest vertical dimension differs when determined with or without dentures.
(5) The interocclusal distance is quite variable among individuals. The research
reports listed in Table VII are typical of the finding of most investigations of
these factors. These variations are not present in all individuals, and in some individuals they may be in opposite directions, one compensating for the other.
These values may not be additive, but they do serve to indicate the potential
variation in determining the occlusal vertical dimension.
This study does not answer the questions as to the amount of variation that
would occur between dentists in using pre-extraction records, nor as to the accuracy
of the use of pre-extraction records over a long period of edentulousness. However,
it is reasonable to expect that they would be much less variable than the usual rest
position and interocclusal distance methods.
Probably most patients requiring extractions are treated with immediate dentures. This might appear to make pre-extraction records superfluous, but this is
not true. They are valuable in following the changes in tooth position so that these

Vcdume 25
Number 6

Pre-extraction

records

for complete dentures

607

values can be restored by relining.

Pre-extraction
records are of use in making
su.bsequent dentures when the original immediate dentures are no longer serviceable.
Since all records were nearly alike in reliability,
the time required to make these
records becomes an important
factor in their selection. For this reason, the Sorenson Profile Scale appears to be quite attractive.
It can be used rapidly and is acIt is also possible that the use
curate enough to provide valuable information.
lower the time
of the profile tracer as advocated by TurnerzO would significantly
required to make a cardboard profile record. This would make this record quite
attractive
as a clinical method.
Apparently
the tattoo dot method resulted in a tendency to reduce the OCclusal vertical dimension, as the algebraic mean was -0.93 mm. This may have
been due to changes in position of the tattoo dots because of ridge resorption.
The interfrenal
distance did not result in such a closure, possibly because it is a
tissue attachment,
and the change may not have been as great at this point.
The important
point to be gained from this study is that pre-extraction
records
are reliable enough to give valuable clinical information.
They should be more
widely used and their use should be emphasized in prosthodontic
curricula.
SUMMARY
Five methods for making pre-extraction
records of the occlusal vertical
dimension and three methods for making pre-extraction
records of the maxillary
incisor point were investigated
to determine their reliability.
The occlusal vertical
dimension
could be reproduced
with a mean accuracy of 1.l to 1.4 mm. The
maxillary
incisor point could be reproduced
with a mean accuracy of 1.7 to 2.1
mm. There was no statistically
significant
difference between the methods, The
potential
for variation
was much less for all of these methods than for the rest
vertical
dimension
and interocclusal
distance method now in common use. All
methods were within limits of clinical usefulness, and each dentist should choose
t.he most convenient
method.
References
1. Atwood,

D. A.: A Critique of Research of the Rest Position of the Mandible, J. PROSTH.

16: 848-854, 1966.
Pound, E.: Esthetic Dentures and Their Phonetic Values, J. PROSTH. DENT. 1: 98-111,
1951.
Boucher, C. 0.: The Current Status of Prosthodontics,
J. PROSTK. DENT. 10: 411-425,
1960.
Demo-Profile
Scale Company, Instruction
Manual, 1938, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Willis, F. M.: Features of the Face Involved
in Full Denture Prosthesis, Dent. Cosmos
77: 851-854, 1935.
Fenn, H. R. B., Liddelow,
K. P., and Gimson, A. P.: Clinical Dental Prosthetics, ed. 1,
London, 1953, Staples Press, p. 191.
Stansbery, C. J.: Complete Full Denture Technique,
Dent. Dig. 39: 156-159, 1933.
Warburton,
W. L.: Pre-extraction
Records-Necessary
for the Creation of Esthetic Full
Dentures, Dent. Survey 22: 2069-2073, 1946.
Merkeley, H. J.: A Complete Standardized
Pre-Extraction
Record, J. PROSTH. DENT, 3:
657-659, 1953.
Wright,
W. H.: Use of Intraoral
Jaw Relation
Wax Records in Complete Denture
Prosthesis, J. Amer. Dent. Ass. 26: 542-557, 1939.
DENT.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

608

J. Prosth. Dent.
June, 1971

Smith

11. Turrell, A. J. W.: The Pre-Extraction Recording of the Vertical Dimension by an Intraoral Method, Dent. Pratt. 6: 68-72, 1955.
12. Silverman, M. M.: Occlusion in Prosthodontics and in the Natural Dentition, Washington, D. C., 1962, Mutual Publishing Company, pp. 25-36, 60-70.
13. Harper, R. N.: The Denture Gauge, Dent. Items Int. 74: 899-911, 1952.
14. Ballard, C. S.: Personal communication,
15. Tallgren, A.: The Effect of Denture Wearing on Facial Morphology, Acta Odont. Stand.
25: 563-592, 1967.
16. Tallgren, A.: The Reduction in Face Height of Edentulous and Partially Edentulous
Subjects During Long-Term Denture Wear, Acta Odont. Stand. 24: 195-239, 1966.
17. Coulombe, J. A. R.: A Serial Cephalometric Study of the Rest Position of the Mandible
on Edentulous Individuals, J, Canad. Dent. Ass. 20: 536-543, 1954.
18. Swerdlow, H.: Roentgencephalometric Study of Vertical Dimension Changes in Immediate Denture Patients, J. PROSTH. DENT. 14: 635-650, 1964.
19. Atwood, D. A.: A Cephalometric Study of the Clinical Rest Position of the Mandible
Part I, J. PROSTH. DENT. 6: 504-519, 1956.
20. Turner, L. C.: The Profile Tracer: Method of Obtaining Accurate Pre-Extraction
Records, J. PROSTH. DENT. 21: 364-370, 1969.
DR. SMITH:
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