Articulators

Question 1

What is an articulator and what is it used for?

Answer 1

A hinged instrument, to which the maxillary and mandibular casts are attached, and which reproduces recorded relationships of the mandible to the maxilla. Articulators assist the study of occlusion and the formation of the occlusal surfaces of prostheses and restorations.

Question 2

What are the types of articulators?

Answer 2

Simple hinge (no mandibular movements)

Fixed condylar/average value (fixed 30° condylar guidance)

Semi-adjustable:
ARCON (condyle on maxillary element)
NON-ARCON (condyle on mandibular element)

Question 3

ARCON vs Non-ARCON

Answer 3

ARCON is more anatomically accurate than NON-ARCON

The condylar inclination is at a fixed angle to the maxillary occlusal plane in the arcon type.

In the non-arcon type the condylar inclination changes as the articulator is open – this can lead to inaccuracies when a protrusive record is being used to determine the articulator settings.

Question 4

What are the two ways study casts can be mounted?

Answer 4

Arbitrary Position:

Mounts casts using an interocclusal record (e.g. jet bite)
Split cast technique allows remounting in same position
Less anatomically precise

Facebow Transfer:

Mounts maxillary cast based on patient’s hinge axis position
More anatomically accurate reproduction of jaw movements
Requires additional clinical step with facebow

Question 5

What is used to facilitate easy removal of mounting?

Answer 5

Sodium Silicate solution is used.

Question 6

What degree should the incisal post be at?

Answer 6

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