How to Set Up a Denture Using the Occlusal Measurement Plane

By Josef Kolbeck

Posted Dec 07, 2017 in Technical

The use of an occlusal template is fundamental for setting up denture teeth and I’ve used several types over the years. However, since I always found myself measuring various aspects of wax rims and tooth placement with a separate ruler, I decided to develop my own version—based on measurements from the Navy’s training manual—that has all the necessary average measurements built into one tool.



The OMP: 5 Measurement Options:


In addition to functioning as a flat occlusal plane and straightedge, the OMP offers five measurements:



  1. Measures the width of the 1x4 set of maxillary posteriors, and allows you to determinethe adequate space posterior to the maxillary tuberosity.

    2. Please Log In or Sign Up (it's free) to read the rest of this article
About The Author

  • Josef Kolbeck

    Dental Technology Consultant at Kolbeck Dental · Naples, FL

    Kolbeck is part technician, part innovator: he continually tests new materials and techniques to improve the lab's fabrication processes and has created many original techniques, including the Kolbeck Technique featured in the March 2012 issue of LMT.

Please Log In or Sign Up to post to this article
  • Marine Bonnet Image
    Marine Bonnet · Dental Technician · Lyon, France

    Really good job and good article.
    I use the OMP every day (almost). It's convenient to have everything on the same tool. It's well thought out.
    Thank you Josef for your kindness.

Show More