Opening

Opening

Opening

Opening

Posselts
Figure

Posselts Investigations

Posselts Investigations

Posselts Figure

Posselts Figure
MP
ICP
RCP

HA

MP = Maximal protrusion
ICP = Intercuspal position
RCP= Retruded Contact position
HA = Hinge axis
MO = Maximum opening

MO

Posselts Figure top edge

MP
ICP
IG
RCP
EE

Definitions
Articulators
A mechanical representation of the jaws and
temporo-mandibular joints

Use of articulators

Diagnosis
slides and occlusal relationships

Treatment planning
Diagnostic wax - up
Occlusal adjustment

Fabrication of Splint / Prostheses

Articulators
Types
Simple Hinge
Average Value
Semi-adjustable
Fully adjustable

Articulators

Cast Holder

Cast Holder

Average Value

Articulators
BONWILL 1854
4

Articulators
Average Value
4

Articulators
Average Value

Articulators

Denar II - Arcon

Dentatus
Non Arcon

Denar II
Adjustable Condylar Angle, ISS & PSS

Articulators
Semi-adjustable

Can alter;
TMJ to Incisor distance
Bennett Angle
Condylor Guidance
Angle
Incisal guidance plate

Articulators

Needs Facebow
recording
Ideally should be used
for complete denture
cases

Facebow recording

For semi adjustable articulator

Fully adustable: Denar 5

Posterior wall
Superior wall
Medial wall
Inclination of superior wall
Condylar angle
Intercondylar (& glenoid fossa) distance
ISS

Denar 5a

Pantographic recording

For fully adjustable articulator

lots

Difficulty
of
use

none

Hand Av
Held Value

S-A

Fully
Adjustable

lots

Amount of adjustment

none

Hand Av
Held Value

S-A

Fully
Adjustable

lots

Cost

none

Hand Av
Held Value

S-A

Fully
Adjustable

Articulator use vs time vs cost

lots

lots

Amount of adjustment

Difficulty
of
use

Cost

none

none

Hand Av
Held Value

S-A

Fully
Adjustable

What if patient doesnt match

articulator?
Articulator

Patient

Articulators

Articulators
Therefore the distance from the condyle to the teeth is crucial

We obtain a measurement of this distance with a facebow

Facebow

Interocclusal record
Used to locate the lower model to the upper
If lots of good stable occlusal contacts then no IOR needed
If need an RCP record, then we need an IOR that is thick
and strong enough to obtain a record with the teeth
separated and in terminal hinge axis e.g. Moyco Extra
Hard Beauty wax
For routine ICP records when carrying out multiple
crowns / bridgework, Blu-mousse just over the tooth
preps is usually sufficient

Aids to obtaining THA

Bimanual manipulation
Cotton wool rolls
Anterior jig
Splint therapy
Chin-point guidance

Anterior jig
Cold-cure acrylic (Duralay/Trim)
Greenstick

Anterior jig (trimmed)

Provides inclined plane

Separation of posterior teeth

Allows the use of easy flowing
occlusal recording media
such as Blu-Mousse

Anterior Jig

From Howatt, Capp & Barrett

Clinically useful settings for

articulator
Condylar angle 25
Immediate side shift 0.3mm
Progressive side shift 6

Incisal guidance table

Allows shape of palatal to be reproduced
Allows length of incisors to be maintained

Tooth to be prepped
Shape created is
the inverse of Posselts figure

Following tooth prep

Tooth form reconstructed

Summary
The choice of articulator depends upon
such factors as;
Intended use
Availability of equipment
Patient's occlusion

- Skill of the technician

- Expense
- Skill of the operator

The more closely the articulator matches the

patients anatomy, usually the better the
outcome and the less adjustment is required
at chairside on fitting prostheses.