Denture Department

Dento Profile Scale

GENERAL TECHNIQUES

The Dento-Profile Scale is a precision instrument used to secure quick, accurate measurements in determining the ideal vertical bite position. The advanced design of the Scale provides simple easy-to-adjust movements without inconvenience to the patient.

Repeatable measurements can be secured when the Scale is positioned in proper contact with the nasion and the symphysis. The tissue is light over these points and with a little pressure, contact with the bone can be felt and the same position obtained each time. These bony landmarks should be palpated prior to measurement.

Pre-extraction measurements are charted of all facial dimensions that are lost with the extraction of the teeth. At this time, any changes needed should be calculated and recorded.

In edentulous cases without records, the bite is set to a definite computed distance obtained with the scale.

In remaking old dentures, actual distances are charted and reproduced or altered to reflect more nearly normal dimensions.

All denture patients should be charted and checked at periodic intervals for resorption and changed facial dimensions.

This record will eliminate guesswork in denture restoration. Without positive measurements, the average denture is usually the result of combined guesswork of all concerned. The record chart will settle most questions as to previous appearance.

The Dento-Profile Scale is also recommended to obtain measurements in implantology, fixed and removeable prosthodontics, and orthodontics.

VERTICAL RELATION

With the Dento-Profile Scale any position of the mandible can be accurately measured and recorded. In order to establish the proper bite opening, it is necessary to know the exact position of the mandible from which the maximum in esthetics can be obtained. It is also necessary to know the precise point where the physiological rest bite is found. This bite determines the position of the mandible from which the greatest biting power and efficient denture function can be obtained.

The ideal vertical bite relationship will restore the maximum in esthetics while not infringing on the freeway space.

In most normal faces, the esthetic bite and the anatomical bite are found to be very closely related. In other faces, some variation may be present. It may be necessary to establish the vertical bite at an alternate point to restore the greatest amount of esthetics, to insure adequate denture function and maintain a freeway space.

Esthetics is dependent upon facial balance and is present when the length of the chin equals the length of the nose. With the Dento-Profile Scale, the length of the nose (A to B) added to the distance found at the lip line (A to C) will give the amount for the full length of the face in the esthetic bite.

The rest position of the mandible exists when the elevator and depressor muscles are neutral. This remains constant and does not change with the gradual change of the bite. Rest position can be voluntary or involuntary. The exact position of the mandible can be measured and recorded with the Dento-Profile Scale. The functional bite is usually 2 to 3 mm less than the rest position. This amount of space is needed for cusp and overbite clearance and muscle rest. Using this method, the correct vertical dimension can always be established without guesswork.

LOST FACIAL DIMENSIONS

Since loss in vertical dimension is a gradual process, patients are often not aware of their changed expressions until considerable damage to the denture-bearing tissues has already occurred.

The principal cause of rapid and excessive resorption of the dental ridges is wearing dentures with a closed bite. The closed bite destroys the articulation of the teeth, causing loss in stability, and, with unequal pressure on the ridges, greatly increases resorption. Other inevitable results of the closed bites are loss of biting power, and protrusion of the jaw.

With new dentures a certain amount of settling must be expected. This loss can be restored by having the dentures reltned. With periodic rechecks it is possible to maintain the bite opening at the correct vertical dimension.

With the Dento-Profile Scale the dentist can establish facial harmony and balance in the bite from accurate measurements and can demonstrate the exact amount of loss in dimension at any time. Maintaining the correct vertical dimension is of great importance to the denture patient.

OBTAINING BASIC MEASUREMENTS

Patient must be in upright position.

1. Place Nose Seat (1) firmly on the bridge of patient's nose, the nasion.
2. Raise Chin Seat (5) up to bottom of chin.
3. Move Horizontal Gauge (11) into position to measure under patient's nose. Record reading from Vertical Scale (7) at top of Slide Block (2).
4. Move Horizontal Gauge (11) down Scale to patient's lips. Measure just under patient's upper lip. Record reading from Vertical Scale (7) at top of Slide Block (2).
5. Add the two recorded numbers and set the Chin Seat (5) on the total calculated reading. This will give an excellent starting point for the patient's vertical position.
   
   FORMULA: NOSE (reading in B) + LIP (reading in C) = CHIN (reading in E)

NOTE: Two fingers of one hand should always be kept on the Nose Seat to position it in the nasion. Use direct inward pressure. The Chin Seat and Horizonital Gauge should be manipulated with the right hand. The full length of the face is taken with pressure to the bone, one finger extended under the Chin Seat. When using Scale for horizontal records, have Chin Seat positioned slightly loose under chin.

Some cases may appear incorrect; however, by checking the patient's profile and the corner of the patient's mouth and lips, you will be reassured of the Scale's accuracy.

Should the measurements still seem to be incorrect, remeasure. There are some instances in which you must close or open the bite slightly more than indicated.

DENTO-PROFILE SCALE - PRECISION MODEL NOSE SEAT TOP OF SLIDE BLOCK (OBTAIN UPPER VERTICAL READINGS HERE) HORIZONTAL READING POINT POINT OF HORIZONTAL GAUGE CHIN SEAT STEM VERTICAL SCALE HORIZONTAL SCALE TENSION SCREWS (NOT SHOWN) TOP OF SLIDE BLOCK (OBTAIN LOWER VERTICAL READINGS HERE) HORIZONTAL GAUGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE The measurements indicated on the Dento-Profile Scale are calibrated in millimeters. Thus the first figure on the Stem (6), no. 3, represents 30 mm or 3 cm. The 0 represents 100 mm, and the 10 equals 110 mm. The graduated lines between the numbers equal 1 mm each. Vertical measurements are taken with the Point of the Horizontal Gauge (4) and the Chin Seat (5). Readings are obtained from the top of the Slide Block (2) & (10). Horizontal measurements are taken with Point of the Horizontal Gauge (4) and read at (3). This Dento-Profile Scale is made of all stainless steel parts.

RECORD CHART

Click here to download a printable record chart.

NOTE: Individual charts may be photocopied for each patient, or you may wish to order charts directly from the Dento-Profile Company. .