Dental Articulators Overview

The place where two or more bones meet in the skeleton.

The static and dynamic contact between the chewing surfaces of teeth during function.

A mechanical device that mimics the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and jaws, allowing dentists to attach models of teeth and simulate jaw movements.

The process of attaching models of the upper and/or lower teeth to an articulator.

Used to diagnose the state of bite in both natural and artificial teeth.

Helps plan dental procedures based on the relationship of teeth.

Assists in the fabrication of dental restorations and replacements.

Allows for correction and modification of completed dental work.

Arranging artificial teeth on models for restorations or dentures.

Allows the dentist to visualize the patient's bite from different angles, especially the tongue side.

An articulator that utilizes a condyle path that is not fixed, allowing for adjustable settings to mimic the patient's specific condylar movements.

An articulator that employs a fixed condylar path with a preset inclination, providing a standardized representation of condylar movement.

A classification of articulators based on the position of the condylar elements relative to the mandibular movement.

Articulators that resemble a simple hinge, allowing only opening and closing movements of the mandible, with limited lateral and protrusive capabilities.

A classification of articulators based on their ability to accept and adapt to inter-occlusal records, reflecting the patient's individual occlusion.

An equilateral triangle formed by connecting the mandibular central incisor tip to both condyles, with each side measuring approximately 10 centimeters.

A semi-adjustable articulator with a fixed intercondylar distance, allowing for protrusive movements to a specific recorded angle and lateral movements calculated using Hanau's formula.

A formula used to calculate the lateral condylar path angle based on the horizontal condylar path angle recorded from the patient. The formula is: 'L = H/8 + 12'

The distance between the two condyles in an articulator, representing the width of the mandible.

The angle between the occlusal plane and Bonewill's triangle, averaging approximately 15-20 degrees.

A caliper-like instrument used to record the spatial relationship of the maxillary arch to anatomical reference points and transfer this relationship to an articulator.

The condylar path angle determines the inclination of the condylar guidance in an articulator, simulating it to the patient's own mandibular movement.

A fully adjustable articulator allows for customization of the condylar path angle, intercondylar distance, and can accept lateral eccentric records, thus providing a more accurate representation of the patient's TMJ.

This facebow type approximates the location of the terminal hinge axis with a maximum error of 2mm. It uses a fixed frame placed on specific facial landmarks.

The condylar rod is placed on a line drawn from the outer canthus (eye corner) to the top of the tragus (ear flap), about 11-13mm in front of the ear canal.

The earbow positions the rod inside the ear, which can be more comfortable for some patients.

These facebows utilize special instruments to pinpoint the exact location of the terminal hinge axis, offering greater accuracy in transferring the patient's jaw movements.

Extensive restorations, full arch restorations, complete dentures with bilateral balanced occlusion, and when utilizing fully anatomic teeth for restorations.

It is essential to achieve a close approximation of the patient's actual jaw movements in the articulator to guide the restoration process accurately and predictably.

The facebow determines the accurate location of the occlusal plane in relation to the terminal hinge axis, ensuring the bite is aligned correctly for optimal function and aesthetics.