face-bow

A caliper-like device used to record the relationship of the jaws to the temporomandibular joints; the record may then be used to orient a cast or model of the maxilla to the opening and closing axis of the articulator. SYN: hinge-bow.

- adjustable axis face-bow a f. whose caliper ends can be adjusted to permit location of the axis of rotation of the mandible. SYN: kinematic face-bow.

- kinematic face-bow SYN: adjustable axis face-bow.

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n.

(in dentistry) an instrument for transferring the jaw relationship of a patient to an articulator to allow reproduction of the lateral and protrusive movements of the lower jaw.

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(fāsґbo) 1. a caliper-like device used in dentistry to record the positional relationship of the maxillary arch to the temporomandibular joints (or opening axis of the jaw) and to orient dental casts in this same relationship to the opening axis of the articulator. 2. an extraoral wire arch or bow used in orthodontics to connect an intraoral appliance to an extraoral anchorage.

Asymmetric face-bow, used to regain bilateral but asymmetric space. The outer bow is shorter on the side that will need the smaller distal tooth movement (A); when the appliance is in place, without the neck strap attached, the long side is farther from the cheek (B).