fox’s occlusal plane guide

What is the Fox Occlusal Plane Guide?

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide, also known as the Fox Bite Plane, is a dental instrument used to establish and assess the occlusal plane in patients, particularly during denture fabrication. This guide helps ensure that the occlusal surfaces of the teeth are aligned correctly, contributing to proper chewing function and aesthetics.

Definition and Purpose

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide, also known as the Fox Bite Plane, is a dental instrument used to establish and assess the occlusal plane in patients, particularly during denture fabrication. This guide helps ensure that the occlusal surfaces of the teeth are aligned correctly, contributing to proper chewing function and aesthetics. It aids in determining the correct orientation of the maxillary cast, ensuring the occlusal plane is parallel to the interpupillary line anteriorly and the ala-tragus lines posteriorly. This precise positioning contributes to a balanced and functional bite.

History and Development

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide was developed as a practical tool for establishing a consistent and functional occlusal plane, particularly in the context of denture fabrication. Its design was based on the understanding that the occlusal plane should be aligned with specific anatomical landmarks for optimal function and aesthetics. The Fox plane’s development was driven by the need for a reliable and reproducible method to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing occlusal relationship in edentulous patients. Its use has become a standard practice in prosthodontics, contributing to improved denture outcomes.

How to Use the Fox Bite Plane

The Fox Bite Plane is used to establish the occlusal plane and assess its relationship to the interpupillary and ala-tragus lines.

Positioning the Plane

The Fox Bite Plane is positioned on the maxillary occlusion rim, which is a wax-like material used to create a model of the patient’s upper jaw. The plane is placed so that it contacts the incisal edges of the anterior teeth and the cusp tips of the posterior teeth. The Fox Bite Plane is held in place by the clinician, who can adjust its position to ensure proper alignment.

Establishing the Occlusal Plane

The Fox Bite Plane is used to establish the occlusal plane in both an anteroposterior and frontal direction; The occlusal plane is the imaginary surface that connects the biting surfaces of the teeth. In the anteroposterior direction, the Fox Bite Plane helps to establish the Spee curve, which is the natural curvature of the occlusal plane. In the frontal plane, the Fox Bite Plane is used to ensure that the occlusal plane is parallel to the interpupillary line, which is a line drawn between the centers of the pupils.

Assessing the Frontal Plane

The Fox Bite Plane is also used to assess the frontal plane, ensuring that the occlusal plane is level and parallel to the interpupillary line. This is achieved by placing the Fox Bite Plane on the bite block, which is a temporary structure used to represent the position of the teeth. By comparing the Fox Bite Plane to the interpupillary line, the clinician can determine if any adjustments need to be made to the bite block to achieve a level and parallel occlusal plane.

Clinical Applications of the Fox Plane

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide is a versatile tool with several clinical applications, particularly in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry.

Denture Fabrication

The Fox Plane plays a crucial role in denture fabrication, particularly during the jaw relationship stage. It helps establish the orientation of the occlusal plane, ensuring that the denture teeth are positioned correctly in relation to the patient’s facial features and bite. By ensuring the occlusal plane is parallel to the interpupillary line and ala-tragal line, the Fox Plane contributes to a balanced and comfortable denture that facilitates proper chewing and speech.

Occlusal Plane Evaluation

The Fox Plane serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the occlusal plane in both edentulous and partially edentulous patients. By aligning the Fox Plane with the interpupillary line and ala-tragus line, clinicians can assess the parallelism of the occlusal plane and identify any deviations. This evaluation helps determine if the occlusal plane is correctly positioned for optimal function and aesthetics, facilitating appropriate adjustments to the denture or restorative treatment plan.

Treatment Planning

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide plays a crucial role in treatment planning for various dental procedures. By establishing a reference point for the occlusal plane, it facilitates accurate tooth positioning, prosthetic design, and restorative treatment. The Fox Plane aids in determining the appropriate vertical dimension of occlusion, ensuring that the bite is comfortable and functional. It also assists in achieving harmonious facial aesthetics by aligning the occlusal plane with facial landmarks, contributing to a balanced and natural appearance.

Benefits and Limitations of the Fox Occlusal Plane Guide

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide offers several advantages in dental procedures, but it also has certain limitations that should be considered.

Advantages

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide offers several advantages in dental procedures, particularly during denture fabrication. One of the key benefits is its ability to establish the occlusal plane in a more accurate and reproducible manner, leading to a more even and functional bite for the patient. The Fox Plane also helps ensure that the incisal line is in a horizontal plane and that the sides are parallel with the ala-tragal line, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. Additionally, using the Fox Plane can help to prevent occlusal trauma by ensuring that the teeth are properly aligned and that the occlusal plane is level.

Disadvantages

While the Fox Occlusal Plane Guide offers several advantages, it’s not without its limitations. One of the main disadvantages is that it can be difficult to use accurately, particularly in patients with a complex anatomy or limited mouth opening. The Fox Plane can also be uncomfortable for some patients, and it may not be suitable for all patients. Additionally, the Fox Plane does not take into account individual variations in facial morphology, which can lead to an occlusal plane that is not ideal for the patient’s specific needs. Despite these limitations, the Fox Plane remains a valuable tool in the hands of experienced dentists, especially for denture fabrication.

Alternatives to the Fox Plane

Several other methods and instruments exist for establishing and evaluating the occlusal plane, including the HIP method and various other occlusal plane guides.

HIP Method

The HIP method, which stands for Hamular Notch and Incisive Papilla, is another commonly used technique for occlusal plane orientation. This method relies on anatomical landmarks, specifically the hamular notch (a depression on the posterior part of the maxillary tuberosity) and the incisive papilla (a small projection on the palatal surface of the maxillary incisors). By establishing a line connecting these two points, the clinician can determine the desired occlusal plane. This method is often considered more reliable for achieving a natural and functional occlusal plane.

Other Occlusal Plane Guides

In addition to the Fox Plane and the HIP method, various other occlusal plane guides are available for use in dental practice. These include devices like the Broadrick Occlusal Plane Analyzer (BOPA), which is designed to determine and achieve an acceptable occlusal plane for various dental procedures. Other guides may utilize different reference points or incorporate digital technology for more precise measurements. The choice of occlusal plane guide ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the clinician and the patient.

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide remains a valuable tool in dentistry, contributing to proper occlusion and denture fabrication. Its use ensures appropriate alignment and helps clinicians achieve optimal outcomes for patients.

Summary of Key Points

The Fox Occlusal Plane Guide is a crucial instrument in denture fabrication, helping to establish a correct occlusal plane. It aligns the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, ensuring proper chewing function and aesthetics. The guide aids in positioning the maxillary cast during denture construction, ensuring accurate alignment with the patient’s head orientation. By referencing the interpupillary and ala-tragus lines, the Fox Plane helps achieve a balanced and functional occlusal plane.

Future Directions

The future of the Fox Occlusal Plane Guide may involve incorporating digital technology. Integrating the Fox Plane with digital imaging and 3D modeling could enhance its accuracy and efficiency. Research into alternative materials and designs might lead to more comfortable and user-friendly versions. Additionally, exploring its use in other dental procedures, such as implant placement or orthodontic treatment, could expand its clinical applications.