The effect of three different recording materials on the reproducibility of condylar guidance registrations in three semi-adjustable articulators.

Sagittal condylar guide settings of three semi-adjustable articulators: WhipMix, Hanau 158 and Denar Mark II were compared using registrations of base plate wax, copper wax and self-curing acrylic resin in two subjects. Four-way ANOVA showed differences between instruments (P < 0.0001), materials (P < 00001), registrations (P < 0.0001), and no difference between operators. Mean differences between materials were 3 degrees and 6 degrees within the range of registration and articulator variability. Denar Mark II gave the highest values, Hanau 158 the lowest with pantronic values generally lower than articulator settings. Neither acrylic nor copper wax were superior to base plate wax. This and previous studies show low reproducibility and variability between instruments, occlusal records and registration material.