The Lucia Jig is an occlusal appliance named after Dr. A. F. Lucia, who introduced the concept in the 1960s.
The Lucia Jig is a technique that allows clinicians to obtain an accurate bite registration by stabilizing the mandible in a harmonious position. This position is essential to the dental laboratory’s ability to accurately fabricate an appliance that needs occlusal coverage. The Lucia Jig technique promotes neuromuscular programming and works by separating the posterior teeth so that the pterygoid muscle releases, allowing the condyles to be seated in the optimal position. A Lucia Jig gives the patient’s incisor teeth a platform on which to occlude, while the posterior teeth remain out of contact, thus relaxing the muscles.
The Lucia Jig procedure is straightforward and requires a silicone bite registration paste for use with a syringe. The material has a relatively short setting time, with a maximum cure time of one minute. Once the material is set, it is trimmed and will remain dimensionally stable so that it can easily be sent to the dental lab.
Choosing the Right Lucia Jig
The choice of Lucia Jig depends on the vertical opening of the patient’s back teeth, which can be determined using the standard jig. When the vertical opening between the back teeth exceeds 2.5 mm, the Class II Jig should be used to reduce this opening. It may be necessary to use the Lucia Jig on the lower centrals for patients with irregular lower incisors. Doing so ensures that the Jig functions properly against the upper incisors.
Specifications
Neuromuscular Reprogramming: The Lucia Jig deprograms the masticatory muscles by separating the posterior teeth. This allows the condyles to move into a more optimal position.
Bite Registration: The Lucia Jig helps clinicians obtain an accurate bite registration. This is important for dental labs to fabricate appliances that require occlusal coverage.
Load Testing: The Lucia Jig can perform a fast, simple, and safe load test.
Centric Relation Recording: Once the muscles are deprogrammed, the Lucia Jig captures accurate centric relation records, which is crucial for various prosthodontic and orthodontic treatments.
Benefits
Centric relation recording: The Lucia Jig helps to capture an accurate bite registration, which is essential for orthodontic and prosthodontic treatments.
Muscle deprogramming: The Lucia Jig prevents the back teeth from touching, which helps to deprogram the muscles in the jaw temporarily deprogram the jaw muscles.
Bite registration: The Lucia Jig provides a platform for the front teeth to occlude on while the back teeth remain separated, which helps to relax the muscles.
Comfortable: The Lucia Jig is comfortable for patients and can help patients with tight muscles.
Simple: The Lucia Jig procedure is straightforward and can be used with a silicone bite registration paste.
