To avoid inaccurate trajectory data caused by habitual mandibular protrusion in edentulous patients, guide the mandible into centric relation using Dawson’s bilateral manipulation technique before tracking the opening-closing movement.
Steps:
1. Recline the patient fully and stabilize the head.
2. Lift the chin slightly to relax cervical and jaw muscles.
3. Place four fingers along the lower border of the mandible; thumbs meet lightly on the chin.
4. Gently guide small hinge movements to deprogram the muscles.
5. Allow the mandible to seat as the condyles move into their superoanterior position.
6. Verify centric relation by checking for smooth, repeatable pure rotation.
7. Maintain this position while performing trajectory recording or scanning. For detailed scanning instructions, please refer to Dentulous Trajectory Recording.
