Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What type of record is required for condylar inclination on an articulator?

1. Centric occlusion record

2. Protrusive record

3. Facebow transfer

4. Interocclusal record

The correct answer is: Protrusive record

The type of record required for condylar inclination on an articulator is the protrusive record. This is essential because the protrusive record captures the relationship of the maxilla to the mandible while the mandible is in a forward position, which helps to determine the path of the condylar movement. In articulators that simulate the movement of the temporomandibular joint, knowing the condylar inclination is vital for achieving accurate tooth relationships and occlusion. Capturing this record allows the articulator to mimic the condylar path during movements, especially in cases involving complete dentures, partial dentures, or any restorations that require an accurate representation of the occlusal dynamics. The protrusive record directly influences how the articulator is set up and ultimately impacts the occlusal scheme and the fit of restorations. Other types of records, such as centric occlusion records, facebow transfers, or interocclusal records, serve different purposes in dentistry and do not provide the specific information required for determining condylar inclination, which is why they are not the correct choice in this context.