Interocclusal Record
A registration material or device used to capture the spatial relationship between opposing dental arches at a defined jaw position, facilitating accurate mounting of study casts on an articulator.
Full Definition
An interocclusal record — commonly referred to as a 'bite registration' — is a physical record of the occlusal relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth (or edentulous ridges) at a specific, reproducible jaw position such as centric occlusion, centric relation, or a predetermined vertical dimension. Materials used include wax, polyvinylsiloxane (PVS), zinc oxide–eugenol pastes, and polyether. Accurate interocclusal records are critical in prosthodontic, orthodontic, and implant workflows to ensure correctly articulated casts and well-fitting restorations. Editors should avoid confusing this term with 'facebow record', which captures the maxillary arch's spatial relationship to the temporomandibular joint rather than the arch-to-arch relationship.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'interocclusal record' in formal clinical documentation over the lay term 'bite registration'.
In Context
- "A silicone interocclusal record was taken in centric relation before the models were mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator." — Prosthodontic laboratory prescription
- "Inaccurate interocclusal records are a leading cause of premature contacts in new fixed restorations." — Dental continuing education article