Dental Articulator: Types and Uses in Dentistry
What is a dental articulator?
It is a device that allows replicating the relationship and movements of the mandible with the maxilla. It is used in:
✔️ Design of dental prostheses
✔️ Diagnosis of malocclusions
✔️ Evaluation of TMD disorders
Types of articulators
🔹 Simple articulators: Only reproduce opening and closing
🔹 Semi-adjustable articulators: Allow simulating lateral and protrusive movements
🔹 Fully adjustable articulators: Reproduce individual mandibular movements with greater precision
Importance in dentistry
✅ Facilitates prosthetic treatment planning
✅ Improves precision in oral rehabilitations
✅ Reduces the adjustment time of prostheses in the mouth
Conclusion
The dental articulator is a key tool in restorative dentistry and orthodontics, improving precision in prosthesis fabrication and the diagnosis of occlusal problems.
Legal Notice and Disclaimer
This article is part of ONAK's Dictionary of Medical Terms and is for informational purposes only.
Bibliography
- The Academy of Prosthodontics. "The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms." J Prosthet Dent. 2005; 94(1): 10-92. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16046959/
- Lundeen, H. C., Gibbs, C. H. "Advancements in Articulator Technology." J Am Dent Assoc. 1992; 123(6): 45-52. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1569363/
