ARTICULATORS

AKANKUNDA TUMUSHABE
BDS IV
17/U/52
 OBJECTIVES

• Introduction
• To classify articulators
• To enumerate advantages and disadvantages of semi adjustable articulators
• To differentiate between ARCON and NON-ARCON articulators
• To describe programming of an articulator
 INTRODUCTION

• Defined as a mechanical device which represents the TMJ and the jaw
members, to which the maxillary and mandibular casts may e attached to
simulate some or all mandibular movements.
• Allows most of the prosthetic work to be done in the absence of the patient
• Maintain jaw relation record during setting up of teeth
• Denture remounting after processing for correction of occlusal harmony
 BASIC PARTS OF AN ARTICULATOR

• Upper member; represents maxilla

• Lower member; mandible
• Mounting plates; where the casts are connected
• Condylar analogues; represents condyle
• Condylar guidance; slopes of articular eminence
• Incisal guide pin; anterior vertical stop and maintains the vertical dimension
• Incisal guide table;
IMAGE OF AN ARTICULATOR
 CLASSIFICATION OF ARTICULATORS

• Based on the instrument function

• Based on adjustability of the articulator
Non adjustable
Semi adjustable
Fully adjustable
• Based on the location of condylar elements
ARCON
NON ARCON
 SEMI ADJUSTABLE ARTICULATORS

• Allows adjustment to replicate average mandibular movements

• Adjustable condylar and incisal guides
• Capable of accepting face bow record
• Doesn’t reproduce mandibular movement with much accuracy
• Successful use depends on the accuracy of the face bow record and inter
occlusal record
 ARCON

• The term ARCON is derived from the word AR articulator and CON condyle
• Condyles are a part of the lower member, and the condylar guidance
(glenoid fossa) are a part of the upper member
• Anatomically correct resembling the TMJ
 NON ARCON

• Reverse of the TMJ

• Upper and lower members are rigidly attached
• Has the condyles in the upper member and the condylar guidance (glenoid
fossa) in the lower part of the articulator
• Anatomically incorrect
ARCON VS NON ARCON
 PROGRAMMING OF AN ARTICULATOR

• Before teeth can be arranged, the articulator must be programmed or

customized to the individual patient.
• The programmed articulator is vital to plan an occlusion which is both
efficient and at the same time reduces stresses transmitted to the
underlying tissues and temporomandibular joints
 PROGRAMMING THE CONDYLAR
GUIDANCES
• A protrusive inter occlusal record (ask the patient to protrude the mandible around
6mm) is made by using bite registration material.
• The condylar lock nuts on articulator are loosened and the occlusal rims with record is
placed on the articulator.
• The condylar inclinations are adjusted until the upper and lower occlusal rim seat firmly
and evenly in the protrusive record.
• The degree of inclination is noted and recorded on the mounting plaster.
• The condylar inclination lock nuts are then secured
 LATERAL CONDYLAR GUIDANCE
INCLINATION

• Using lateral interocclusal records

• Using Hanau’s formula • L=H/8+12
 PROGRAMMING INCISAL GUIDANCE

• The incisal guide table has a horizontal as well as lateral adjustment

• Both are set to the minimum required for the esthetic needs of the anterior
teeth
 REFERENCES

• Prosthetic treatment of the edentulous treatment 5 th

edition, R M Basker et
al Pg 168 -170
• Essentials of complete denture prosthetics by Sheldon winklers 2 nd
edition
• Zarb and borlender