ARTICULATORS
Asist. Prof. Seda Keban Aydın
An articulator is a mechanical device that simulates the
movements of the mandible.
Maxillary and mandibular models can be attached to articulator
to simulate jaw movements.
• The principle employed in the use of articulators is the
mechanical replication of the paths of movement of the
posterior determinants, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs),
and, in some cases, the anterior guidance.
• The instrument is then used in the fabrication of fixed and
removable dental restorations that are in harmony with those
movements.
• Although articulators can essentially imitate all
neuromuscular structures that regulate joints,
ligaments, lower and upper jaw and lower jaw
movements, they cannot reproduce their
functions exactly.
• Plaster "occluders» by Philipp Pfaff, were used
to maintain the horizontal and vertical
relationships of the models.
• Gariot produced the first mechanical
articulator in 1805,
GARIOT ARTICULATOR
• First mechanical articulator
• Only Hinge action only
• Hinge articulator (Gariot articulator)
MAIN PURPOSES OF ARTICULATOR
To diagnose the current situation.
To determine the static and dynamic occlusion conditions of
existing teeth in the mouth.
To treat the current wrong condition.
Completing missing teeth with prosthetic methods and
correcting errors by examining natural teeth
ADVANTAGES OF ARTICULATORS
In models connected to the articulator, the dentist can
examine the patient's occlusal relationships and also has the
opportunity to examine these relationships from the lingual
perspective.
This is a very important advantage in terms of providing ideal
occlusal relationships in tooth alignment for complete
dentures.
ADVANTAGES OF ARTICULATORS
• After vertical and horizontal records are taken, there is no
longer a need for the patient to ensure teeth alignment and
balance.
• It is very difficult to achieve occlusion in the mouth with
complete dentures due to tissue resilience and insufficient
retention and stability of the base plate. It is much easier to
perform the procedures on the articulator after recordings
are taken from the patient.
ADVANTAGES OF ARTICULATORS
• The use of an articulator eliminates the patient's saliva,
tongue and lips from being a problem.
• When the patient's mouth is used as an articulator, more
time is required in the clinic. The articulator enables the
dentist to provide the same service to the patient without
tiring him and spending less time in the clinic.
The articulator selection is
according to the case to be
performed.
• Semi-adjustable for routine
case and removable
prostheses,
• Fully adjustable articulators
are used for complicated
case, long fixed bridges
and occlusal rehabilitations.
RECORD TYPES USED TO ADJUST
ARTICULATORS
• 3 types of records are used
• I. Adjustments made with interocclusal records
• II. Adjustments made with received graphic records
• III. To adjust the articulator, localization of the hinge axis with
the help of the kinematic face arc.
AN IDEAL BITE REGISTIRATION
MATERIAL
• Adequate resistance (tearing and compression)
• Dimensionally stable
• Easy to manipulate
• No negative effects on tissues
• Must be able to clearly record the occlusal and incisal
surfaces of the teeth.
MATERIALS USED FOR BITE
REGISTIRATION
• Wax
• Zinc oxide eugenol
• Acrylic
• Stench
• Bite registiration silicone
• Polyether
BITE REGISTIRATION SILICONE
ARCON AND NON-ARCON
ARTICULATORS
• The joint mechanism of the articulators is similar to
TMJ. The fossa is in the upper part of the device,
and the condyle is in the lower part. Those with this
structure are called ARCON type articulators.
Ex: Dentatus, Gerber
Condylator
• The spheres representing the condyle are in the
upper part, and the rails in which these spheres are
located are in the lower part, called NON-ARCON
type articulators.
Ex: TMJ, Whip-mix
ARCON AND NON-ARCON
ARCON AND NON-ARCON
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
• ARCON tools are easy to use.
• Since the angular values in ARCON instruments are
made by adjusting the mechanism on the upper
part of the instrument, possible changes in the
vertical dimension do not affect this value.
In NON- ARCON articulators, if a change is made in
the vertical dimension, the recordings must be taken
again in this vertical dimension and the articulation
mechanism of the instrument must be adjusted
again.
ARCON AND NON-ARCON
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
• The upper and lower parts of Arcon articulators are
easily separated from each other. Non-Arcon
articulators are difficult to use.
• In Arcon articulators, the easy separation of the
upper and lower parts from each other may cause
problems in preserving the centric relation records.
For this reason, Arcon articulators have a centric
lock mechanism. Non-Arcon articulators are
compact and their centric locking mechanisms are
simpler and more reliable.
SIMPLE CLASSIFICATION OF
ARTICULATORS
• Only hinge movements: GARIOT
• Those with incisor and condylar path inclination, an
average value: GRITMAN, BONWILL, GYSI SIMPLEX
• Individually adjustable:
• Semi-adjustables: HANAU Model H, DENTATUS, GERBER,
WHIP-MIX
• Fully adjustable: TMJ, DENAR
ONLY HINGE MOVEMENTS: GARIOT
THOSE WTIH INCISOR AND CONDYLAR
PATH INCLINATION, AN AVERAGE VALUE:
GRITMAN, BONWILL, GYSI SIMPLEX
INDIVIDUALLY ADJUSTABLE:
SEMI-ADJUSTABLES:
HANAU MODEL H, DENTATUS, GERBER, WHIP-MIX
INDIVIDUALLY ADJUSTABLE
FULLY ADJUSTABLE: TMJ, DENAR
PLASTIC ARTICULATORS
CLASSIFICATION
• Class I – Hinge type
• Class II - Arbitary
• Class III – Avarage
• Class IV – Special
CLASS I (HINGE TYPE)
• Simple articulator
• Only vertical motion possible
• Used for crown and bridge
• Hinge joint articulator
CLASS II (ARBITARY)
• Permit horizontal as well as vertical movements but do not
Orient the motion to the TMJ via a face bow transfer.
• Class II-A Eccentric motion permitted is based on
avarage or arbitary values (Grittman Art.)
• Class II-B Eccentric motion permitted is based on
arbitary motion (Monson Art.)
• Class II-C Eccentric motion permitted is
determined by the patient using
engraving methods (House Art.)
CLASS III (AVARAGE)
• Simulate condylar pathways by using
average or mechanical equivalents for all or
parts of the motion.
• Allow for joint orientation of the casts via a
face bow transfer.
• Hanau Model H
CLASS IV (SPECIAL)
• Accept 3D dynamic registration and face bow transfer
• Type A: Condylar pathways are formed by registration
engraved by the patient
This path is non-modifyable
TMJ Art.
• Type B
Condylar pathway can be selectively
angled and customized/modified.
Denar Art.
