Study models

Orthodontic study models are acquired at the

beginning, sometimes
during, and at the end of treatment. They should be
fully extended into the buccal sulcus and record all
the teeth present. Angle’s trimming is undertaken
to enable the occlusion to be examined at varying
angles with the models placed on a flat surface. Study
models have a number of uses including:
• treatment planning (e.g. space analysis);
• monitoring growth;
• monitoring treatment progress;
• patient education;
• diagnostic (Kesling’s) set-ups;
• acting as a legal record;
• audit, research and teaching.

Digital study models eliminate the problems of

storage and allow computerised analysis and may
become widely used in the future.
There is no need to mount study models onto an
adjustable articulator for routine orthodontic care.
They are only mounted, using a facebow transfer, for
orthognathic cases involving maxillary surgery