COMPLETE DENTURES

LAWS OF ARTICULATION

VINCENTR. TRAPOZZANO,
D.D.S.
St. Petersburg, Fla.

HE OBJECTIVES of this discussion will be to analyze and reappraise Hanau’s five

T “factors of articulation” as they apply to complete denture construction and
to establish that only three “factors” are actually concerned in obtaining a balanced
articulation. I believe that the lack of clarity in the exposition of the factors in-
volved in the “laws of articulation” has hindered a more widespread understanding
of balanced occlusion and how it may be obtained.
For more than 30 years, the factors governing the laws of articulation as stated
by Rudolph Hanaul have been accepted as the standard reference on this subject.
Hanau’s study was a pioneer exploration of the subject, and the “articulation quint”
may well be classified as a monument to him as an individual. Perpetuation of his
ideas and basic concepts may, in some measure, be attributed to the phenomenal
acceptance of the instrument which he constructed. I have, however, felt that some
of the hypotheses stated by Hanau in regard to the laws of articulation may be
seriously questioned on the basis of fundamental application. The possibility of
error and the placement of undue emphasis on certain factors by Hanau in stating
his laws should not be surprising. Hanau was an engineer and could not have been
expected to be particularly well versed in the biologic requirements which would
modify the engineering (mechanical) requirements.
When Hanau speaks of a “balanced articulation,” I assume that he means the
same as was stated by Stansbery and the same as it is defined in the GEOSSWY of
Prosthodontic Ternzs.2 Stansbery stated3 : “Balanced occlusion involves a definite
arrangement of tooth contacts in harmony with mandibular movement.” The Glos-
sary defines balanced articulation (occlusion) as : “an occlusion of the teeth which
presents a harmonious relation of the occluding surfaces in centric and eccentric
positions within the functional range.“*

Read before the Academy of Denture Prosthetics in Colorado Springs, Cola.

*Italics mine.
34
 LAWS OF ARTICULATION 35

LAWS OF ARTICULATION

Of the nine factors4 governing the establishment of balanced articulation,

Hanau stated that “the five most important in the practice of natural and artificial
denture restorations are : (1) the inclination of the condylar guidance, (2) the
prominence of the compensating curve, (3) inclination of the plane of orientation,
(4) inclination of the incisal guidance, (5) the height of the cusps.” He went on to
say, “The above terms imply the properties of condylar inclination, curve of Spee,
incisa.1 guidance and the cusp height, which are familiar anatomical conceptions and
for which we at times prefer to use the geometrical or mechanical equivalents : con-
dylar inclination, compensating curve, incisal guide, and projection of the cusp
height.” It will be noted from the latter statement that the third factor, “the inclina-
tion of the plane of orientation,” is not mentioned. This point will be discussed later
under the heading “plane of orientation.” For the purpose of discussion and more
ready understanding, the five factors will be evaluated in a sequence different from
that which was indicated by Hanau.

CONDYLAR INCLINATION

Hanau states : “The inclination of the condylar guidance or condyle inclina-

tion is a definite, anatomical conception.” With this statement there is ready accord.
It is the one factor which the edentulous patient presents and can in no way be
modified by the operator (either dentist or technician). Once the condylar inclina-
tion has been registered by whatever means are deemed acceptable, no increase or
decrease of the inclination can be effected by the operator. Precise agreement as to
how the registration is obtained is not necessary for this discussion.
The interrelationship of the function of the anatomic parts in making the reg-
istration of the condylar inclination may, however, be open for discussion. It is
my belief that the degree of condylar inclination registered results from (1) the
shape of the bony contour of the temporomandibular joint, (2) the action of the
muscles attaching to the mandible, (3) the limitation of movements effected by
the attaching ligaments, and (4) the method used, i.e., if the registration is made
by means of a technique .which requires that registration bases rest on the tissues
of the mandibular and/or the maxillary ridges, the effect of the displacement of
the tissues upon which these bases rest during the making of the registration will
modify the recording. Hanau aptly refers to this tissue displacement as “realeff.“*
Of the five factors governing the laws of articulation as given to us by Hanau,
the condylar inclination is one of the three most important and necessary factors
utilized in securing balanced articulation and forms one of the end-controlling
factors (Fig. 1) .

INCISAL GUIDANCE

The second end-controlling factor is formed by the inclination of the incisal

guide angle (incisal guidance).

l Hanau: “The term reaIeff Is coined by contracting the beginnings of the words REsilient
And Like EFFect.”
36 TRAPOZZANO J. Pros. Den.
Jan.-Feb.. 1963

Fig. I.-The conclylar path (sagittal) is attained when the mandible moves from position C
to position B: (A) diagramatic representation of the condylar path of a patient; (A*) an equiva-
lent path indicated on the articulator.

Hanau stated : “The inclination of the incisal guidance is given by the angle
of the lingual surface of the incisors with the horizontal plane of reference.” This
statement is incorrect and meaningless. In referring to the “lingual surface of the
incisors with the horizontal plane,” we are not told whether he means the lingual
surface of the maxillary or mandibular incisors. Assuming that Hanau referred to
the lingual surface of the maxillary incisors, the statement would be true only r&en
the incisal edge and/or some part of the labial surfaces of the mandibular incisors
were in contact with the lingual surfaces or incisal edges of the maxillary incisors.
While Hanau distinguishes “a protrusive and lateral incisal guidance,” he
makes no attempt to amplify this distinction. However, the difference between sagit-
tal protrusive incisal guidance and lateral incisal guidance must be made clear.
Sagittal Protrusive Incisal Guidance.-As stated in the Glossary of Prostho-
dontic Terms, the incisal guide angle is “the angle formed with the horizontal plane
by drawing a line in the sagittal plane between incisal edges of the maxillary and

Fig. 2,-A schematic drawing showing two central incisors indicating the overbite (verti-
caI overlap) (B) and the overjet (horizontal overlap) (C). A represents the resultant incisal
guide angle.
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‘: LAWS OF ARTICULATION 37

mandibular central incisors when the teeth are in centric occlusion” (Fig. 2). The
definition offered by the Glossary clearly states the landmarks to be considered in
determining the sagittal protrusive incisal guide angle. Thus, for example, as de-
fined by the Glossary, the sagittal protrusive incisal guide angle could be formed by
(1) the labial incisal edge of the mandibular central incisors making contact with
the lingual surface of the maxillary central incisors, (2) the labial surface of the
mandibular central incisors making contact with the lingual surface of the maxillary
central incisors, (3) the lingual incisal edge of the maxillary central incisor mak-
ing contact with the labial surface of the mandibular incisor, (4) the incisal edge
of the maxillary incisor making contact with the incisal edge of the mandibular in-
cisor when the overjet (horizontal overlap) is within the functional protrusive
range of the patient, or (5) the fact that in sagittal protrusive movement, the in-
cisal edges of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors are never involved in
the determination of the sagittal protrusive incisal guide angle when the mandibu-
lar central incisors are set anteriorly to the maxillary central incisors (Fig. 3).
In complete denture construction, the angle of the incisal guidance is largely
under the control of the dentist. The limitations imposed in the selection of an in-
cisal guide angle are (1) ridge relation, (2) arch shape, (3) ridge fullness, (4)
interridge space, and (5) the phonetic and esthetic requirements of the patient.
Within the range of these limitations, the incisal guide angle can be altered con-
siderably. For example, if the degree of overbite (vertical overlap) remains con-
stant, the incisal guide angle may be altered by the simple expedient of increasing
or decreasing the degree of overjet (horizontal overlap). This may be readily ac-
complished either by placing the mandibular incisors more lingually or by placing
the maxillary incisors more labially, or both. Or, the reverse procedure may be
used; the overjet is made to remain constant and the incisal guide angle increased
or decreased by changing the amount of overbite (Fig. 4).
Lateral In&al Guidance.-While the determination of the protrusive incisal
guide angle may be made by considering the relationship of only the maxillary

Fig. 3.--A through F, Examples of incisal guide angles which result from varying the ver-
tical and horizontal overlap. The fncisal guide angle for E would be ccmsidered to be zero
degrees.
38 TRAPOZZANO J. Pros. Den.
Jan.-Feb., 1963

Fig. 4.-Setting of the in&al guide angle of the teeth (A) to correspond with the. incisal
guide angle of the table (B) of the articulator. Angle a corresponds to angle b.

and mandibular central incisors, the lateral incisal guide angle is determined by
considering the relationship of all the incisors and cuspids, both maxillary and
mandibular. For the purpose of this discussion, intermediate mandibular positions
between protrusive movement on a straight sagittal plane and the “pure” lateral
movement will be omitted. For the sake of simplicity, only “pure” right and left
lateral movements will be considered.
The lateral incisal guide angle may be defined as the steepest angle formed with
the horizontal plane by drawing a line between the incisal edges of the maxillary
and mandibular incisors and cuspids of both the right and left segments when the
teeth are in centric occlusion.
In determining the lateral incisal guide angle, the same general pattern of
maxillary and mandibular incisor and cuspid relation may exist, as has been illus-
trated for the sagittal protrusive incisal guide angle where only the maxillary
and mandibular central incisors were involved. However, in the lateral incisal
guidance, this angle may be formed by the relationship of the incisal edges of the
maxillary and mandibular lateral incisors and the cuspids, even when the mandib-
ular teeth are labial to the maxillary anterior teeth (Fig. 3, E). The moment the
incisal guide angle has been determined, the second end-controlling factor will
have been established.

HEIGHT OF THE CUSP

Hanau’s use of the height of the cusp of the posterior teeth as one of the five
factors in developing the laws of articulation is misleading and has lead to much
misunderstanding. In his description of the height of the cusp, he states : “The
change of the cusp height in comparison with the masticatory surface formation
as a whole is an auxiliary magnitude.” As an auxiliary magnitude, cusp height
should hardly be classified as one of the five most important factors in developing
the laws of articulation. In continuing the description, Hanau states : “In the estab-
z%zr
:” LAWS OF ARTICULATION 39

lishment of balanced articulation, we are primarily interested in the length and the
inclination of the effective cusp inclines.” It is this last statement which is of impor-
tance in establishing balanced articulation. As indicated in Fig. 5, any increase or
decrease in cusp height (the vertical distance from the tip of the cusp to its base)
will result in an increase or decrease in the length of the cusp inclines. The angle
of the cuspal inclination will not, however, be affected by a change in the cusp
height.
In obtaining balanced articulation, concern is with the inclination of the effec-
tive cusp inclines. With the establishment of the two end-controlling factors,
namely, the condylar inclination and the incisal guide angle, a balanced articulation
is obtained when a harmonious relationship is established between these two angles
and the cusp angle. This harmonious relationship is obtained independently of cusp
height. Cusp height exerts its influence by determining the range of tooth contact
during eccentric movement. The higher the cusp, the longer the effective tooth in-
cline, and therefore, the greater the range of tooth contact during eccentric move-
ment. From a practical standpoint, the length of the cusp inclines (and therefore
the range of contact) should be sufficient to permit the teeth to maintain contact
within the limits of the eccentric functional movements of the patient.
Cusp angle is the third and last factor which needs to be considered in establish-
ing a balanced articulation.

PLANE OF ORIENTATION

Hanau is somewhat vague in discussing the plane of orientation and is need-

lessly complicating in considering it as a factor in promulgating the laws of ar-
ticulation.
The use of the term “plane of orientation” may be questioned. The implication
in the use of this term is that this factor has already been determined. Quite the
contrary is true. The term orient means “to find the proper relation or bearings
of . . . ,” and since this relationship has to be determined, the more valid way
of expressing the idea would be to say “orientation of the plane.”
Hanau states that “the plane of orientation is a purely geometrical factor. It is
a plane assumed to pass through three dental landmarks or points; namely, the
central incisal contact point and the suvnmits of the mesiobuccal cusps of the mo-
lars.” The second molar is considered to be the last molar in artificial dentures.
The plane may be through the maxillary or mandibular points.

c-
x
C’
X’
A za

A B d,
Fig. 5.-A and B, Diagrammatic representation of tooth cusps with the same cuspal angula-
tion (C and Cl). The height of cusp A is indicated by X. The height of cusp B is indicated by X1.
40 TRAPOZZANO J. Pros. Den.
Jan.-Feb., 1963

The above quotation is at variance with the statement he makes regarding

the plane earlier in his treatise, stating: “The writer [Hanau] suggests to accept
a plane of orientation through the central incisor point and the second molar buccal
grooves.”
Since Hanau uses the plane “for signifying the general direction of the masti-
catory surfaces in the denture space available and for the characterization of the
compensating curve,” the difference in inclination which results from using the
various landmarks suggested is of no consequence. However, once the plane has
been selected, Hanau states that “this plane makes mandibular measurements facile
and gives them a definite comparative value ; as soon as we mount the central in-
cisal contact point of each case at the same distance from the articulator base.”
Theoretically, setting the central incisal contact point of each case at the same
distance from the articulator base till establish “definite comparative values for the
planes.” Unfortunately, in not all cases can mounting be carried out at the level
indicated by Hanau. Frequently, the face-bow transfer will result in a maxillary
cast mounting which is extremely .high or low. A change of height in the mounting
of the cast when a face-bow transfer is used will not alter the relation of the cast
to the condylar inclination. It is often found, however, that the change made in the
height of mounting so that the central incisal contact point of the maxillary incisors
is at the same level with the incisal pin marker makes it awkward to work with
the resultant cast mounting.
It is not realistic to insist on a definite height of mounting of the central in-
cisal contact point simply to fulfill a possible theoretic advantage to be gained by
giving the plane of orientation “comparative value,”
Hanau’s quint indicates that an increase in the inclination of the plane of orien-
tation results in an increase of the incisal guide angle and condylar inclination.
Actually, the plane of orientation may be established at various levels within the
available interridge space, without any influence on either the incisal guide angle
or the condylar inclination, but with a corresponding influence on cuspal angula-
tion necessary to obtain a balanced articulation (Fig. 6). Note that if perpendicu-
lars are constructed at the incisal guide (C) and at the condylar guidance angle
(B), the point at which the two lines intersect (A) will indicate the rotational cen-
ter. From the same rotational center (A), arc 1 results from the shorter radius
while arc 2 results from the longer radius. Cords constructed on arc 1 which
would have the same anteroposterior length as the first and second bicuspids and
the first and second molars would result in a steeper inclination than the corre-
sponding cords constructed on arc 2. Since both arcs have the same rotational cen-
ter established by the incisal guide angle and the condylar guidance inclination,
balanced occlusion may be obtained at either level.
Actually, the plane of orientation need not and should not be considered a
factor in promulgating the laws of articulation, since its location is highly variable
within the available interridge space.
Consideration of the steps used by many individuals in the establishment of
the plane of orientation may further clarify the point.
I prefer to establish the orientation of the plane of occlusion by the following
steps: (1) The maxillary cast is mounted to the maxillary member of the articu-
Volume 13 LAWS OF ARTICULATION 41
Number 1

Fig. 6.4C.J A perpendicular constructed from the in&al guide table; (B) a perpendicular
constructed from the condylar inclination guide; (A) the point of intersection. Using A as a cen-
ter, the Anal level of the occlusal plane may be determined at any level desired, within the inter-
ridge space: I and 2 indicate two such planes. The cuspal angulation of the teeth will, of course,
be different at each level selected and still satisfy the requirements for balanced articulation.

lator by means of a face-bow transfer. For the purpose of this discussion, it is imma-
terial whether a transverse hinge axis or arbitrary face-bow transfer is made.
Neither is it germane whether or not an infraorbital record is used. (2) The man-
dibular cast is mounted by whatever type of records are made to register the verti-
cal and centric relations. (3) After establishment of the cast relationship on the
articulator, the composition of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth is com-
pleted. As was indicated, the placement of the anterior teeth will be modified by (a)
ridge relation, (b) arch form, (4) ridge fullness, (5) interridge space, and (6) the
phonetic and esthetic requirements. After the anterior teeth have been set, it will
be recognized that two important steps have been completed, namely, (a) estab-
lishment of the anterior part of the plane of orientation and (b) the determination
of the amount of overbite and overjet and the resultant protrusive and lateral in-
cisal guide angle (incisal guidance) which, together with the condylar inclination,
form the two end-controlling factors needed for establishing a balanced articula-
tion for the case at hand.
Subject to later modification during the balancing of the occlusion, the tenta-
tive positioning of the posterior part of the plane of orientation is established by
giving consideration to the superoinferior positioning of the posterior teeth. This
position will be influenced by the previously established anterior part of the plane
of orientation and by the dentist’s decision as to whether the maxillary or mandib-
ular ridge should carry the greater or lesser degree of torque action or whether the
torque should be more or less equally divided between the two ridges.
If the mandibular posterior teeth are set too low in relation to the previously
established plane of the mandibular anterior teeth, it will be found that the maxil-
lary posterior teeth will have to be lowered considerably. This may result in an
42 TRAPOZZANO J. Pros. Den.
Jan.-Feb., 1963

unsightly appearance. Setting the mandibular posterior teeth too high in relation
to the mandibular anterior teeth may also result in an unsightly appearance. Final
positioning of the posterior plane of orientation may be made at whatever level
of interridge space is desired to meet the requirements of the case at hand, provided
the final plane selected is on the same rotational center produced by the two end-
controlling factors, if balanced articulation (occlusion) is to be achieved.
From the foregoing, I suggest that consideration of the plane of orientation as
a factor in establishing the laws of articulation should be omitted, since its deter-
mination, at best, can be considered only as a secondary factor.

PROMINENCE OF THE COMPENSATING CURVE

In postulating the “prominence of the compensating curve” as one of the five

factors used in developing the laws of articulation, Hanau states : “The prominence
of the compensating curve infers an increase of the concavity (sometimes a de-
crease of the convexity) in the alignment of the mandibular posterior teeth. The
maxillary posterior tooth alignment accommodates the curvature of the mandibular
alignment, saddling therein.”
The inclusion of the prominence of the compensating curve as a factor in form-
ulating the laws of articulation is redundant. For any given patient, once the cuspal
angulation which will produce a balanced occlusion has been determined, we are
automatically confronted with a compensating curve of varying concavity, or con-
vexity, in proportion to the degree of cuspal angulation utilized. Thus, establishing
the prominence of the “compensating curve” is a passive factor, and its consideration
as a factor in formulating the laws of articulation should be omitted.

THREE FACTORS OF OCCLUSION

From the foregoing discussion, it has been established that only three factors
need be considered to formulate the laws of articulation : ( 1) the condylar inclina-
tion, which forms one end-controlling factor, (2) the incisal guide angle, which
forms the other end-controlling factor, and (3) the cusp angle (angles of the in-
clined planes of the teeth). In setting up artificial teeth, the harmonious interrela-

LG. = /NC/SAL GUIDANCE

C.A. = CUSP ANGLE
CC. = CONDYLAR GUIDANCE

Fig. 7.-Related factors for obtaining balanced occlusion (articulation). The triad of
occlusion.
~~l%c~
:” LAWS OF ARTICULATION 43

tionship of these three factors will produce a balanced occlusion. For the purpose
of graphically depicting this relationship, a formula has been developed (Fig. 7)
which shows the interrelationship of the three factors when the end-controlling
factors may both be varied. The laws of articulation may then be stated as follows :
When the condylar guidance equals a constant (K)-( 1) an incease of the in-
cisal guide angle increases the cusp angle progressively toward the incisal guide
angle, and (2) a decrease of the incisal guide angle decreases the cusp angle pro-
gressively toward the incisal guide angle.
When the incisal guidance equals a constant (K)-( 1) an increase of the con-
dylar guide angle increases the cusp angle progressively toward the condylar guide
angle, and (‘2) a decrease of the condylar guide angle decreases the cusp angle pro-
gressively toward the condylar guide angle.
Any increase or decrease of the cusp angle must be accompanied by an in-
crease or decrease of the incisal guide angle or the condylar guide angle, or both.

CLINICAL APPLICATION

In the clinical application of the laws of balanced occlusion, the formula may
be further simplified. As was pointed out, once the condylar inclination of the patient
has been determined, it is no longer subject to change. This in effect makes the
condylar guidance factor equal to a constant (K) . The following law of articulation
(balanced occlusion) may then be stipulated :
When condylar guidance equals K-( 1) an increase of the incisal guide angle
increases the cusp angle progressively toward the incisal guide angle, and (2) a de-
crease of the incisal guide angle decreases the cusp angle progressively toward the
incisal guide angle. Any increase or decrease of the cusp angle must be accompanied
by an increase or decrease of the incisal guide angle.

SUMMARY

An analysis of the laws of articulation as developed by Hanau indicates the ne-

cessity for re-evaluation of his concepts.
It has been shown that the use of the height of the cusp as an active factor in
producing a balanced articulation is not correct. Hanau should have emphasized
the role played by the inclination of the effective cusp inclines.
The use of the factor plane of orientation is misleading and needlessly compli-
cating. The location of the plane of orientation is highly variable within the avail-
able ridge space and should not be limited to a standardized height.
The use of the compensating curve as an active factor in the laws of articula-
tion is not necessary or desirable. The formation of the compensating curve is al-
ways the result of the harmonious interplay between the incisal guide angle, the
condylar guidance, and the cuspal angulation.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been established that only three factors need be considered in formula-
tion of the laws of articulation : (1) the condylar guidance, (2) the incisal guide
 TRAPOZZANO J. Pros. Den.
44 Jan.-Feb., 1963

angle, and (3) the cusp angle. A formula has been developed to graphically depict
this relationship.

REFERENCES

1. Hanau, R. L. : Articulation Defined, Analyzed and Formulated, J.A.D.A. 13:1694-1707, 1926.

2. Academy of Denture Prosthetics: Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, ed. 2, J. PROS. DEN.
lO:Nov.-Dec., Part Two, p. 11, 1960.
3. Stansbery, C. J.: Balanced Occlusion in Relation to Lost Vertical Dimension, J.A.D.A.
25:228:233, 1938.
4. Hanau, R. L. : Full Denture Prosthesis, ed. 4, Buffalo, 1930, Hanau Engineering Co.
3900 CENTRALAVE.
ST. PETERSBURG11, FLA.