Influence of TMJ dysfunction on Bennett movement as recorded by a modified pantograph. Part II: Pilot articulator study.

Within the limits of this study and when using pantographic instruments for research, the following conclusions can be drawn. Mechanical errors in the graphic tracings can result when the posterior vertical styli do not move with the mandible and are not zeroed in relationship to the terminal hinge axis. The errors were significant at the 0.035 level for the following variables: (1) an increase in the vertical dimension, up to 6 mm, (2) a change in the angle of the styli and/or of the tables relative to each other, up to 30 degrees, and (3) an increase in the distance between the posterior horizontal tables. If conclusions are to be drawn directly from tracings in research of mandibular movements, the recording styli should be orientated in relation to the terminal hinge axis and should move with the mandible.