Digital articulator

In recent years, the field of dentistry has undergone an evolutionary change

with the integration of digital technologies into various aspects of dentistry.
Among these advancements, the introduction of digital articulators has
changed the way dental professionals analyse occlusion, design prosthetic
restorations, and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Traditional mechanical
articulators have always played a significant role in prosthodontics, aiding
in replicating natural jaw movements and guiding treatment planning.
However, digital articulators, built upon the foundations of virtual reality
and computer-aided design, have brought in a new era of precision,
efficiency, and enhanced patient care.

Digital articulators make use of semiconductor advances in computing

power that enable three-dimensional imaging, computer algorithms, and
interactive software interfaces to simulate jaw movements and occlusal
functions with improved accuracy. This technology allows dental
practitioners to capture, manipulate, and analyse occlusal patterns, thereby
allowing comprehensive treatment planning for various restorative,
prosthetic, and orthodontic procedures. By integrating digital articulation
into the diagnostic and treatment workflow, dental professionals can fine-
tune occlusion, predict outcomes, and tailor treatment plans to the unique
anatomical and physiological characteristics of each patient. With the aid of
digital articulators, we now able to mimic jaw movements and replicate
condylar paths more closely than ever before.

Digital Articulator Features: Digital articulators makes use of advanced

software and three-dimensional imaging to replicate and analyse occlusion
digitally. These articulators offer a range of features that accurately
replicate the patients jaw movement and enhance their use in dentistry.

1. Accurate Replication of Movements: Digital articulators precisely

mimic mandibular movements, including hinge and sliding motions,
allowing for realistic simulation of patient-specific occlusion.
2. Adjustable Parameters: Practitioners can fine-tune various
parameters such as condylar paths, incisal guidance, and Bennett
angles, enabling personalized treatment planning.
 3. Real-Time Visualization: Digital articulators offer real-time visual
feedback, allowing dentists to observe occlusal dynamics and make
instant adjustments.
4. Virtual Mounting: Virtual mounting of diagnostic casts replicates the
physical mounting process, but in a digital environment, facilitating
easier analysis and manipulation.
5. Dynamic Occlusion Analysis: These articulators enable dynamic
analysis of occlusion during different jaw movements, aiding in
identifying premature contacts and interferences.

Workflow Integration: Integrating digital articulators into the dental

workflow optimizes treatment planning and enhances communication.
Transferring data from a digital articulator to a mechanical articulator is an
important step for finishing of final prosthesis. Recent advances in this field
combined with 3d printing technology now allow for true anatomical
condyles and their corresponding fossa to be printed and incorporated
onto a manual articulator.

Figure 1 Full assembly of custom-printed anatomical structures representing

condylar elements and maxilla related to each other and to FHP(FRANKFORT
HORIZONTAL PLANE) from patient CBCT onto articulator frame (8500 series;
Whip MixCorp). This patient-specific articulator requires no setting adjustments
Azer, Shereen & Kemper, Evan. (2021). The patient-specific anatomical
articulator. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 128.
10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.02.029.

Case-Specific Advantages: Digital articulators offer unique advantages

tailored to specific dental cases:

1. Complex Restorations
2. Full Mouth Rehabilitation:
3. Implant Planning

4. Orthodontic Treatment

5. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

References:

1. Boeddinghaus, M., Breloer, E. S., & Rehmann, P. (2015). The Virtual

Dental Patient: Applying 3D Visualization to Dental Practice.
International Journal of Computerized Dentistry, 18(2), 123-134.
2. Ganz, S. D. (2016). Three-dimensional digital model analysis and
clinical application. Journal of Oral Implantology, 42(6), 511-518.
3. Haddadi, Y., Bahrami, G., Isidor, F., & Gotfredsen, K. (2016). Clinical
application of virtual articulator with dental CAD/CAM systems: A
systematic review. Journal of Prosthodontic Research, 60(3), 145-155.
4. Kattadiyil, M. T., & Mursic, Z. (2016). Clinical applications of digital
articulators: A review. Quintessence International, 47(5), 375-384.