Prosthesis I Non-adjustable articulator Arcon-type articulator Face bow

Articulators that emulate a simple hinge and disregard Articulators with the condyles Instrument used to position the upper model on
Articulator and face bow all functional movements of the jaw – only reproduce in the inferior (mandibular) the articulator based on craniofacial references.
static relation. Following features: branch + condylar box in Can be used to determine
Articulator Occluder + hinge articulator: superior branch. • Relation of upper jaw with terminal hinge axis.
Mechanical instrument that serves as a support model Functions: • Mainly used for fixed • Locates the occlusal plane in relation to the
that reproduces the dental arches and its movements 1. Simulate opening/ prosthesis. axio-orbital plane.
for therapeutic + diagnostic purposes. closing movements. Limitation:
2. Reproduces MI position. Non-arcon articulator • CANNOT be used for intermaxillary registers.
Limitation: CANNOT reproduce Articulators with the condylar elements placed on the
eccentric movements. upper member.

Semi-adjustable articulators Arcon vs. Non-arcon articulator

Articulators that use some fixed values based on Arcon:
averages and are therefore not capable of reproducing • Conyldes attached
Limitations all jaw relationship/types of occlusion. to the LOWER member. Main parts of a face bow
Articulator is a helping instrument, but we must remind Examples: bio-art, whip mix, mestra, stratos 300… • Fossa attached to 1. Condyle rods.
its limitations. Its lacking of: Allows programming: UPPER member. 2. Locking nuts.
• Lack muscles. • Condylar inclination. Non-arcon: 3. U-shaped frame.
• Lack ligaments. • Bennet angle. • Condyles attached 4. Bite fork.
• Lack innervation. • Intercondylar distance. to UPPER member. 5. Locking clamps.
• Lack vascularization. -> Requires use of face bow. -> BOTH = semi-adjustable + use face bow. 6. Orbital pointer.
-> Set up in centric relation (CR).
Articulator requirements -> Does not reproduce the totality of condylar Part of the articulator Face bow classification
1. Allow the mounting of superior and inferior models. movement. A. Kinematic: exact and
2. Transfer reference planes from the patient to the precise values of
articulator. mandibular dynamics.
3. Reproduce MI position. • Orients jaw to
4. Stimulate + reproduce condylar movements similar EXACT hinge axis –
to the patient. provide exact/precise
values of mandibular
Types of articulators dynamics.
A. Depending on the adjustment and programming • Provide exact + precise
grade: Fully adjustable articulator information about: exact hinge axis, condylar
• Non adjustable articulator. Articulators that can recreate all condylar movements – inclination and bennet angle.
• Semi-adjustable articulator. allow independent condyle adjustment.
• Fully adjustable articulator. Examples: denar D5A, ciberhoby, 1. Tightening screw of mounting plates.
B. Depending on the similarities with the TMJ anatomy: stuart. 2. Upper frame.
• Arcon-type articulator. • Are able to accurately 3. Lower frame.
• Non arcon-type articulator. reproduce ALL condylar 4. Incisive pin.
movements. 5. Incisive plate.
6. Hinge axis.
7. TMJ.
8. Shoulders.
B. Arbitrary (most used): Face bow reference points Steps of cranio-mandibular transference of upper Dawson technique
orientation on arbitrary In order to be able to transfer the maxilar position, the model with the terminal hinge axis (CR) 1. Have patient seated with chin raised slightly.
hinge axis. Uses approximate face bow requires a plane, defined by 3 points, as 1. Place face-bow on patient – use camper plane as 2. Operator should be behind the patient.
values to simulate hinge axis. reference. reference. 3. Place 4 fingers of each hand along the inferior
• Use of 2 posterior reference Anterior point: 2. Determine CR – not forces/reproducible/able to ridge of the lower jaw (pull up).
points (porion or arbitrary • Nasion (NA): use of glabella. register. 4. Place both thumbs on the mandibular
point) and one anterior (infraorbital or nasion). • Infraorbitary point. 3. Acquire correct register in bite fork – 3-4 mm wax symphysis/chin area (pull down).
-> References points for arbitrary face-bows: Posterior point: thickness. 5. This movement tends to position the condyles
Anterior point: • External auditory meatus (PO). 4. Transfer bow to articulator – use average angles. on CR.
1. Na = nasion – • Artbitrary reference point (11-13mm to tragus).
use glabella or Most used planes: 1. Cranio-mandibular transference of upper model
infraorbitary point. • Frankfurt (FH plane): PO-OR. with the terminal hinge axis (CR)
Posterior points: • Camper (C plane): PO NASAL Spine. • CR used as reference must be: not forced,
2. Po = porion – -> Arbitrary face-bow is most commonly used in the reproducible, and able to register.
use external auditory dental practice. • Use of face bow:
meatus. -> Correct register in bite fork (3-4 mm thickness of
3. Arbitrary reference point – Articulator use sequence wax).
11-13mm to tragus. 1. Cranio-mandibular transference of upper model -> Use camper plane as reference.
with the terminal hinge axis (use of face bow for • Face bow transference to articulator
superior model). • Average angles that must be set on the articulator:
2. Mount the lower model in CR or MI, depending on 1. Bennet angle = 15°.
the case and our final objective. 2. Condylar slope = 30°. Anterior stops
3. Check assembly. 3. Immediate bennet = 0°. • Due to the only contacting in anterior teeth,
4. Programming of articulator + adjustment of vertical the elevator muscles tend to bring the condyle
dimension: essential to reproduce the mandibular Static registers (CR) to its most antero-superior position, CR.
dynamic. Key characteristics: • Separate posterior teeth so muscles let the
• Position with NO dental contact. joint rest completely, without dental
• Achieve a pure axis of rotation. interference.
• Make sure muscles are relaaxed. Three techniques:
Groups of techniques used to achieve A. Lucia Jig (Duralay resin):
Reference points and planes CR with the face bow: Technique that promotes neuromuscular
1. Frankfurt plane – porion to orbital (PO-OR). Manipulation techniques (INDUCED): reprogramming of the masticatory system +
2. Camper plane – porion to nasoespinal (PO-NE). 1. Ramfjord. allows clinicians to obtain an accurate bite
2. Dawson. registration by stabilizing the mandible in a
TMJ deprogramming technique (SELF-INDUCED): harmonious position.
3. Anterior stops.
B. Leaf Gauge (metallic sheet): 3. Check assembly Bennett angle • Dynamic: gothic arch – useful for edentulous
Leaves of metal or plastic used to located the CR • How can you check for the Angle formed by the path of the non-working/ patients/patients with occlusal problems.
(help deprogram the patient) – when placed correct assembly/mounting balancing condyle during lateral mandibular
between the anterior teeth, it aids the patient in of the articulator: check first movement.
retruding the mandible. premature contacts.

4. Programming of articulator and determination of

vertical dimension
• Essential to reproduce the mandibular dynamic.
• Done depending on the patients occlusion. Register
eccentric relations. Dynamic registers:
1. Protrusive: to set condylar slope – wax bites =
3-4mm.
2. Lateral movements: to set Bennett’s angle.

C. Cotton rolls:
Both sides of mouth at premolar region –
promotes neuromuscular deprogramming.
2. Mount the lower model in CR or MI, depending on
the case and our final objective
Mount in CR:
• When mounting the lower model in CR, the incisive
rod should be set at: set rod at 3-4 mm (wax
thickness) – use previous registers in wax.
• Situations when you should mount the lower model
in CR:
1. Major teeth wear due bruxism.
2. Severe periodontal disease with occlusal
component.
3. TMD with occlusal component.
4. Teeth loss with vertical dimension loss.
Mounting in MI:
• When mounting the lower model in MI, we should
set the incisive rod on the articulator: flip articulator
and put lower model in MI. Set incisive rod at 0.
• Situations when you should mount the lower
models in MI:
1. All remaining situations when patient present
with stable MI without pathology.
2. Remaining teeth are enough to keep the patient’s
occlusal scheme.
Dynamic registers
Lateral excursion:
• Left and right laterotrusions.
• We program the balancing side (Bennett angle).
Working side always on 0o.
-> To achieve the correct register of lateral movements,
how should we program the articulator:
• Balancing side = 15o (Bennet angle).
• Working side = 0o.
Protrusive:
• Wax bites of 3-4 mm.
-> To achieve the correct protrusive register, how
should we program the articulator: wax bites of 3-4
mm.
Condylar slope
Angle in which the condyle moves away from the
horizontal (axis-orbital) reference plane.
Registers on edentulous patients
• Static: wax baseplate with occlusal rim – register in
centric relation (CR). -> Used also
in dentate
patients:
Articulator: advantages & clinical application
1. Ability to modify vertical dimension without
affecting intermaxillary relationship.
2. Establish occlusion/malocclusion patterns.
DIAGNOSIS:
3. Correct assessment.
4. Fix therapeutic objectives of patient.
TREATMENT:
5. Improve prothesis precision.
6. Reduce occlusion adjustments in clinic (reduce
adjustments time).