Dental articulators

Question 1

what is a dental articulator?

Answer 1

a hinged instrument that the maxillary and mandibular casts are attached and reproduces recorded relationships e.g. occlusion

Question 2

what does the hinge axis of a dental articulator correspond to?

Answer 2

• the TMJ
• the movement of the mandible

Question 3

what are the different types of articulator?

Answer 3

• simple hinge articulator
• fixed condylar articulator (average value)
• semi-adjustable ARCON

Question 4

what kind of articulator is this? what is the disadvantages of it?

Answer 4

simple hinge
* cannot reproduce movements of the mandible

Question 5

what type of articulator is this?

Answer 5

fixed condylar articulator (average value) - fixed at an average value of 30 degrees

Question 6

what type of articulator is this?

Answer 6

semi-adjustable ARCON (ARticulated CONdyle)
* the ball joint (condylar) is on the mandibular element of the articulator with the condylar track on the maxillary component
* the condylar guidance track angle can be changed

Question 7

what type of articulator is this?

Answer 7

semi-adjustable NON-ARCON
* the ball joint (condylar) is on the maxillary element of the articulator with the condylar track on the mandibular component
* the condylar guidance track angle can be changed

Question 8

how do you mount a cast onto an articulator?

Answer 8

1. cast must be accurately positioned in ICP (intercuspal position)
2. grooves placed on base of casts before fixing with plaster on the articulator - split cast mounting
3. enables better retention and helps with removal and relocation to the mounting plaster

Question 9

what is the arbitary position for mounting casts?

Answer 9

• incisal post should be at 0 degrees
• incisal post should be on the incisor table