Factors influencing centric relation records in edentulous mouths

Numerous methods of registering centric relation have been described in the literature.1-9 They can be classified as (1) static, (2) graphic, (3) physiologic or functional, and (4) cephalometric. Two of the most popular methods of registering centric relation are the intra-oral Gothic arch (needle-point) tracing, and the wax recording procedure. Both of these methods have been criticized for their inaccuracies. Hanau10 pointed out the “resilient and like effect,” Realeff, of the supporting tissues as the chief source of error in registering maxillomandibular relationships.