Kolbeck – Occlusal Measurement Plane (OMP)

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 my self 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.

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

1. Measures the width of the 1 x 4 set of maxillary posteriors, and allows you to determine the adequate space posterior to the maxillary tuberosity.

2. Allows you to measure from the smile line (marked by the dentist) to the occlusal plane of the wax rim. This measurement helps you select the maxillary central incisors.

3. Measures the posterior width of the occlusal rim, allowing you to create a width from 8 – 10 mm.

4. Measures the anterior segment of the occlusal rim, allowing you to create an anterior width from 3 – 4 mm.

5. Allows you to mark the height of the occlusal rim accordingly. The upper occlusal rim should measure 22 mm from the mucco-buccalfold to the occlusal plane; the lower occlusal rim should measure 18 mm from the mucco-buccalfold

OMP Transparent Plastic version – Ref: OMP/C

OMP Lightweight Alloy version – Ref: OMP/M

Further details can be found here