What is face bows?

A face bow is a dental instrument used in dentistry to accurately transfer the position of a patient's jaws to a dental laboratory. The device attaches to the patient's upper jaw and uses a semi-circular bow to record the position and orientation of the patient's maxilla (upper jaw) in relation to their temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The use of a face bow allows a dental technician to create prosthetics, such as dentures or bridges, that are precisely fitted to the patient's bite and jaw position. This can improve the comfort and function of the prosthetic, and can also improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the patient's smile.

Face bows are commonly used in orthodontics, prosthodontics, and other dental specialties. They are typically made of metal or plastic, and are designed to be adjustable to fit different patients and dental arch sizes. Proper use of a face bow requires an experienced dental professional and attention to detail, as small errors in positioning or adjustment can significantly impact the final prosthetic result.