Three-dimensional analysis of cusp travel during a nonworking mandibular movement

patient is asked to bite together. The high spots are marked, as are the areas that bind the gauge from pulling through freely. The tooth is then reduced appropriately on the marked areas. If the gauge doesn’t pull through, the process is repeated: marking with articulating paper, grinding, and checking for clearance. The process is repeated as often as necessary until the gauge pulls through, which indicates the desired reduction. If it is inconvenient to customize and store blotting paper, a rubber band may be substituted. The common variety used by the U.S. Postal Service to bind a packet of letters is suitable. The rubber band measures about %6 inch thick (1.1 mm), % inch wide, and 3 inches long. The rubber band may be cut to a length of twice the width of the occlusal marking paper. One advantage is that the rubber band can be sterilized and used repeatedly. The flexibility of a rubber band to ride over cusps is undeniable.