Comparison reproducibility between the facebow and a new technique based on a spirit level device

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to introduce a spirit level device for mounting maxillary casts to compare the reproducibility between the facebow and this new technique. Methods: The maxillary casts of 10 participants were mounted in three different situations: 1) with the facebow; 2) with the spirit level device, the participant in seated position; and 3) with the spirit level device with participant in standing position. Each procedure was performed by three different evaluators. The values obtained were calculated using the Technical Error of Measurement (TEM) and the inter-evaluator Coefficient of Variation (CV). Results: The mean values obtained were 4.3 mm, 2.2 mm, and 2.6 mm for absolute TEM; 8.7%, 5.4%, and 6.4% for relative TEM; and 7.3%, 4.5%, and 5.6% for CV. Conclusion: These results show that the facebow is less reproducible compared to the new device, demonstrating that the new technique can be satisfactorily used in clinical practice.