The ABC of the ESIPC jig: the ‘elegantly simple incisal platform, customized’ (ESIPC) jig for capturing/recording centric relation

Centric Relation (CR) is the reference position of the jaws (which is not dependent on the teeth) when the mandibular condyles are in their uppermost position in the glenoid fossa, involving the least stress being placed on the jaw muscles. It is a natural, physiological position that is repeatable, reproducible and transferable for the purpose of mounting study casts on an articulator.

The author has found the bimanual manipulation technique¹ to locate CR often difficult to use, the Lucia Jig² method somewhat time-consuming, and the leaf gauge³ method manually tricky with respect to keeping the gauge held in situ whilst taking a jaw registration. The ESIPC jig has overcome these difficulties for the author because it is easy and quick to make and is self-retentive (but still easily removed when required). The ESIPC jig is also versatile as it can subsequently be removed, replaced, remade or repositioned, if necessary, without losing the captured CR position (this is particularly useful when it is used during the provision of direct composite build-ups in toothwear cases).