A face bow orientates working casts taken from an individual, into a frame or articulator, which mimics the movement of the jaw in relation to the Trans Mandibular Joints, or Condylar Axes.
Face Bows
A face bow and bite fork are used to obtain a bite registration. This is the point where the upper and lower jaws come together naturally.
Bite Registration
Here we see a patient having a bite registration taken by a Dentist.
Bite Fork
The bite fork is removed from the face bow and is sent to the laboratory along with the patients impressions.
The bite fork is inserted into an articulated frame. Once the upper and lower models have been cast from the impressions, they can be aligned perfectly to the bite registration fork and be fixed in place.
The following two images show the relationship between a face bow and articulator, and the human skull. In particular, note the position of the face bow in relation to the T.M.J. or Condylar Axis.
