[Method and optical device for exactly hinge axis localization tested on original phantom].
The quickly and exactly method of location of the hinge-axis is based on the moiré effect, produced between two superposed optical nets, one of it being moved. A face bow is fixed on the mandible to the occlusion rim. Two optical devices are mounted on the bottoms of the face bow. Two other optical nets are applied on the skin, corresponding to the TMJ. During the opening movements of the mandible when a pure rotation of the mandibular condiles take place on the TMJ, the optical nets are displaced and me exactly register the place corresponding to the rotation axe and we can note on the skin the hinge axis. The checkout was done using a phanthom achieved in our department, consisting of a skull made up of polyestheric resins and an elastic element made up of PVC.