Articulator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An Articulator is a mechanical device used in dentistry to which casts of the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth are fixed and reproduces recorded positions of the mandible in relation to the maxilla. An articulator assists in the fabrication of removable prosthodontic appliances (dentures), fixed prosthodontic restorations (crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays)and orthodontic appliances.
Contents |
[edit] Plane line articulator
The simpliest type of articulator consisting of a simple hinge joint. No lateral or sliding movements are possible with a plane line articulator.
[edit] Semi-adjustable articulator
An articulator that allows that reproduce movement of the mandible only in a sagittal plane.
[edit] Anatomical articulator
An articulator which attempts to reproduce normal mandibular movements during mastication.
[edit] Adjustable articulator
An articulator that can be adjusted to accommodate the many movements and positions of the mandible in relation to the maxilla as recorded in the mouth.
