Critical evaluation of methods to record centric jaw relation.

Centric relation is the most difficult, yet, most important step in treating edentulous patients with complete dentures. However, a review of dental literature reveals that the philosophies and methods to make the actual registration vary greatly. It is generally agreed that centric relation records can be grouped into four categories- direct checkbite (interocclusal) recordings, graphic recordings (intra-oral and extra-oral), functional recordings, and cephalometrics. This article discusses the pros and cons of the various methods and techniques of recording centric jaw relations. However, the skill of the dentist and cooperation of the patient are probably the most important factors in securing an accurate centric relation record.