Mandible position indicator for analyzing bite function

Abstract

A system and method for capturing movement of the mandible. A top pantograph is fixed to a patient, wherein fixing includes attaching clutches to the top teeth of the patient. A bottom pantograph is fixed to the patient, wherein fixing includes attaching clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient. Movement of the bottom pantograph relative to the top pantograph during the patient's bite cycle is monitored and a hinge axis corresponding to the patient's mandible is determined.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of determining centric relation bite registration, comprising:
 fixing a top pantograph to a patient, wherein fixing includes attaching clutches to the top teeth of the patient;   fixing a bottom pantograph to a patient, wherein fixing includes attaching clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient;   placing a first piece of a dental impression material on one or more anterior teeth;   recording a bite on the first piece of dental impression material;   hardening the first piece of dental impression material;   placing a second piece of dental impression material on one or more maxillary molars;   recording a bite on the second piece of dental impression material;   hardening the second piece of dental impression material;   placing the patient's condyles in a seated position by having the patient bite the hardened first and second pieces of dental impression material; and   recording movements around the patient's condylar axis.