Which device is used to document centric relation and eccentric movements during occlusal analysis?

Which device is used to document centric relation and eccentric movements during occlusal analysis?

• A. Articulating paper
• B. Jaw-tracking device
• C. Gingival probe
• D. Dental explorer

Answer: (A)

Articulating paper is used to document where contacts occur as the jaw moves into centric relation and through eccentric excursions. When the patient closes into a defined bite or moves the jaw laterally or protrusively, the thin paper between the teeth leaves colored marks at the contact points. Those marks reveal which teeth and which surfaces are engaging in that position or movement, making it possible to map static contacts and dynamic interferences. This helps identify premature contacts or high spots that may need adjustment to achieve a balanced occlusion. Other instruments have different roles: a jaw-tracking device records the path and timing of mandibular movements but doesn’t provide the simple visual map of contact points; a gingival probe measures pocket depth; a dental explorer detects caries and calculus. Articulating paper directly serves the purpose of documenting occlusal contacts during centric relation and excursions.

Articulating paper is used to document where contacts occur as the jaw moves into centric relation and through eccentric excursions. When the patient closes into a defined bite or moves the jaw laterally or protrusively, the thin paper between the teeth leaves colored marks at the contact points. Those marks reveal which teeth and which surfaces are engaging in that position or movement, making it possible to map static contacts and dynamic interferences. This helps identify premature contacts or high spots that may need adjustment to achieve a balanced occlusion.

Other instruments have different roles: a jaw-tracking device records the path and timing of mandibular movements but doesn’t provide the simple visual map of contact points; a gingival probe measures pocket depth; a dental explorer detects caries and calculus. Articulating paper directly serves the purpose of documenting occlusal contacts during centric relation and excursions.