A new method for positioning the maxillary anterior arch, orienting the occlusal plane, and determining the vertical dimension of occlusion.

A new method for positioning the maxillary anterior arch, orienting the occlusal plane, and establishing the vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients is described. The procedure uses a newly developed registration pin assembly that is fixed to the maxillary acrylic resin baseplate. The vertical dimension of occlusion is determined by having the patient swallow. This approach eliminates the tedious and time-consuming process of trimming the occlusion wax rims. The accuracy of the new method is currently being evaluated.