What is the primary use of a facebow?

Correct answer: B. Record the relationship between the maxilla and the transverse hinge axis of the mandible

• A. The mandible-to-maxilla relationship in the horizontal plane is recorded by occlusal registration records, not the facebow.
• B. The facebow transfers the spatial relationship of the maxillary arch to the transverse hinge axis (or simulated hinge axis) of the mandible. This allows the articulator to reproduce mandibular arc of closure accurately.
• C. While the facebow does capture the occlusal plane orientation relative to the hinge axis, its primary purpose is the maxilla-to-hinge axis spatial relationship.
• D. Vertical dimension of occlusion is assessed via phonetics, freeway space, and other methods — not the facebow.