Laboratory articulators are devices used in dental laboratories to simulate the movements and positions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the maxillary and mandibular arches. These instruments play a crucial role in the fabrication of dental prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and other restorations. By accurately reproducing the patient’s occlusal relationship, laboratory articulators help dental technicians create prosthetic restorations that fit and function properly within the patient’s oral cavity. Here are key features and types of laboratory articulators:
Key Features:
Construction: Laboratory articulators are typically made of metal or high-quality materials to ensure stability, accuracy, and durability.
Adjustability: Articulators are designed to be adjustable to simulate various movements, including lateral, protrusive, and retrusive excursions, as well as centric occlusion.
Mounting System: Articulators may have different mounting systems for securing dental casts or models. These systems allow dental technicians to securely attach and manipulate the dental casts in a manner that mimics the patient’s jaw movements.
Condylar Guidance: The condylar guidance mechanism in an articulator simulates the movements of the temporomandibular joint, ensuring that the dental restoration replicates the natural jaw movements.
Articulator Types: Different types of articulators cater to specific applications, such as simple or semi-adjustable articulators for basic tasks and fully adjustable articulators for more complex procedures.
Types of Laboratory Articulators:
Non-Adjustable Articulators:
Design: Non-adjustable articulators are simple and have fixed condylar and incisal guidance.
Use: They are often used for simple tasks and situations where limited adjustments are required.
Semi-Adjustable Articulators:
Design: Semi-adjustable articulators allow for some customization, typically in terms of condylar inclination and protrusive movements.
Use: These articulators are suitable for a wide range of dental prosthetic work and offer a balance between simplicity and adjustability.
Fully Adjustable Articulators:
Design: Fully adjustable articulators provide extensive customization options, allowing for precise adjustments in condylar and incisal guidance, as well as lateral and protrusive movements.
Use: They are often used for complex cases, such as full-mouth rehabilitation or comprehensive restorative work, where precise occlusal relationships are critical.
Arcon Articulators:
Design: Arcon articulators have a design where the upper member (maxillary) moves in relation to the lower member (mandibular).
Use: Arcon articulators are commonly used in removable prosthodontics and denture fabrication.
Non-Arcon Articulators:
Design: Non-Arcon articulators have a design where the lower member (mandibular) moves in relation to the upper member (maxillary).
Use: Non-Arcon articulators are used in fixed prosthodontics and certain restorative procedures.
Use in Dental Laboratory Procedures:
Occlusal Analysis: Laboratory articulators are used to analyze and reproduce the patient’s occlusal relationship accurately, ensuring that the dental prosthetic fits properly within the oral cavity.
Prosthetic Fabrication: Articulators serve as a platform for dental technicians to mount dental casts and create prosthetic restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Occlusal Adjustments: After the fabrication of prosthetic restorations, articulators allow technicians to simulate the patient’s occlusion, making any necessary adjustments to achieve proper occlusal harmony.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Fully adjustable articulators are particularly useful in comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitation cases, where multiple restorations need to be coordinated to achieve optimal function and aesthetics.
Denture Setup: Articulators are commonly used in the setup and arrangement of teeth for complete and partial dentures to achieve an optimal and functional occlusion.
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