Articulator

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.

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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.

Semi-adjustable articulator

An articulator which is adjustable in one or more, but not all of the following areas: condylar angle, Bennett side-shift, incisal and cuspid guidance, and shape of the glenoid fossae and eminintiae. By nature, this sort of articulator's use is only meaningful if the position of the maxillae are duplicated with respect to the skull. Normally this is achieved by the use of a face-bow.

Anatomical articulator

An articulator which attempts to reproduce normal mandibular movements during mastication.

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.