AccuFilm II with Vaseline

It can be challenging to mark an occlusal contact on glazed ceramic restorations. Untreated articulating paper does not leave a mark, necessitating the need for an alternate technique. Articulating ink ribbons leave smudge marks and inaccurate readings. To avoid this frustration, try these clinical tips:

1. Use AccuFilm II articulating paper with a very small amount of Vaseline rubbed on both sides. The paper should appear “wet” without having any volume of Vaseline remaining (Figure 1).

2. Dry the teeth and restoration to be marked with a cotton 2 x 2 followed by high evacuation suction and an air spray.

3. Place the articulating paper between the arches and have the patient tap their teeth together lightly.

4. Adjust and polish as required.

5. After cementation/bonding, increase the intensity of the tapping and grinding in excursive movements.

This should relieve some of the frustration that may occur when attempting to mark occlusal contacts on glazed ceramics.


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Comments

Commenter's Profile Image Wayne Lyn
July 28th, 2012
That's a great tip for a common source of frustration. Those techniques are great. One thing that I have discovered to help streamline this process is to use articulating paper by Trollplast called Trollfoil. It's 8um thick as opposed to 21 um of the Accufilm II. Often times I don't find it necessary to dry the teeth at all when checking ceramic occlusal contacts.