ARTICULATORS

CONTENTS
DEFINITION
USES
LIMITATIONS
CLASSIFICATION
ARTICULATORS OF HISTORIC INTEREST
RECENT ARTICULATORS
ARTICULATOR SELECTION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 DEFINITION
An articulator may be defined as
A mechanical device that represents
the temperomandibular joints and
jaw members to which maxillary and
mandibular casts may be attached to
simulate jaw movements.
PURPOSE

To hold opposing casts in a

predetermined fixed relationship.
To open and close
To produce border and intra border
diagnostic sliding motions of the teeth
similar to those in the mouth.
 USES
To diagnose dental occlusal conditions in
both the natural and artificial dentitions.
To plan dental procedures that involve
positions, contours and relations of both
natural and artificial teeth as they relate
natural and artificial teeth as they relate to
each other.
To aid in the fabrication of dental restorations
and lost dental parts.
To correct and modify completed restorations
 REQUIREMENTS
It should hold casts in correct horizontal and vertical
relation.
It should provide a positive anterior vertical stop.
it should accept a face bow transfer record.
It should open and close in a hinge movements.
It should allow protrusive and lateral motions.
The moving parts should move freely and be
accurately machined.
The non working parts should be a rigid construction.
 LIMITATIONS
How well the operator understands its construction and
purpose.

How enthusiastic the dentist is for the particular instrument.

How well the dentist understands the anatomy of the joints, their
movements and neuromuscular system.

How much precision and accuracy are used in registering jaw

relations.

How sensitive the instruments is to these records

 CLASSIFICATION
THEORIES OF OCCLUSION
TYPE OF INTER OCCUSAL RECORD
USED.
ABILITY TO SIMULATE JAW
MOVEMENTS.
ADJUSTIBILITY OF THE
ARTICULATOR.
 ARTICULATORS BASED ON
THEORIES OF OCCLSION
BONWILL THEORY
ARTICULATORS
Epsilateral triangle
To which the distance between
the condyles is equal to the
distance between condyle and
the midpoint of the mandibular
incisors.
Dimensions:4 inch.
Mechanism: horizontal plane.
 CONICAL THEORY
ARTICULATORS
Proposed that lower teeth move
over the surface of the upper
teeth as over the surface of a
cone generating an angle 45
degree with the central axis of
cone tipped 45 degree to the
occlusal plane.
 SPHERICAL THEORY
ARTICULATORS
Proposed that lower teeth move
over the surface of upper teeth
as a surface of sphere with a
diameter of 8 inches.
The center of sphere was
located in the region of glabella.
The surface of the sphere
passed through the glenoid and
along with the articulating
eminences.
 DISADVANTAGES

Based mainly on theortical aspect.

There is no provision for variations from
the theortical relations that occur in
different persons.
TYPE OF RECORD USED FOR
THEIR ADJUSTMENT
INTEROCCLUSAL RECORD ADJUSTMENT
Most articulators are adjusted by
some record are made of base plate wax,
plaster of paris, zinc oxide eugenol paste
or cold cure acrylic resin.
 GRAPHIC RECORD
ADJUSTMENT
These articulators are capable of

reproducing the border movements of

the mandible.
ABILITY TO SIMULATE
JAW MOVEMENTS
Some articulators show three dimensional
movements but some show only single
dimensional movements.
An internal prosthodontic on complete
denture occlusion at University of Michigan in
1972 the articulators were classified based on
the instruments capability, intent , recording
procedures and record acceptance.
 These are most widely used
classification
CLASS I:
These are simple articulators capable of
accepting a single static registration.
Only vertical motion is possible .
These articulators are used in cases
where a tentative jaw relation is done.
Eg ;Slab articulator, Brandoor articulator
 CIASS II
These articulators permit horizontal and
vertical movements but they do not
orient the movement to the TMJ with a
face bow.
TYPE A: Limited eccentric motion based
on the average values.
Eg ; Mean Value.
TYPE B: Limited eccentric motion is possible based
on theories of arbitarary motion.
Eg ; monsons articulator
TYPE III: These articulators permit horizontal,vertical
movements.
They do not accept face bow transfer but these
facility is limited.
They cannot allow total customization of condyle
pathways.
These instruments simulate condylar pathways by
using average or part of the condyle motion.
TYPE A:They accept static protrusive registration
and they are equivalents for the other types of
motion.

Eg ;Hanau H, Hanau II, Bergstrom articulator.

TYPE B:They accept static lateral protrusive

registration and are eqivalents for the types of
motion.

Eg ; panadent ,Trubyte, Teledyne Hanau university.

 CLASS III
These articulators accept three
dimensional dynamic registrations.
They are capable of accurately
reproduce the condylar pathway for
each patient.
They allow orientation of the casts using
a face bow transfer.
TYPE A: The condyle path is determined by the

engraving registrations product by the patients.

The path cannot be modified .

Eg ;TMJ Articulator.

TYPE B: They are similar to type A but they allow

angulations and customization of the condylar path.

Eg ; Stuart instrument , Gnathoscope.

ADJUSTABILITY OF THE
ARTICULATOR
NON- ADJUSTABLE.

SEMI- ADJUSTABLE.

FULLY ADJUSTABLE.
 NON- ADJUSTABLE
ARTICULATOR
They can open and close
in a fixed Horizontal axis.
They have a fixed condylar
path moved to simulate
lateral and protrusive jaw
movements.
The incisal guide pins ride
on the inclined plate in a
fixed inclination.
 SEMI-ADJUSTABLE
ARTICULATOR
They have adjustable condylar paths.
Adjustable lateral condylar paths.
Adjustable intercondylar distance.
The degree and ease of these
adjustability differ.
Two types ; ARCON and NON-ARCON
 ARCON
The term ARCON Was derived by Bergstrom
from the word AR-ticulator and CO-ndyle.
Eg; Hanau university series and whip mix A.
The condylar element is attached to the lower
member of the articulator and the condylar
guidance is attached to the upper member.
This articulators resembles TMJ.
 ADVANTAGES OF
ARCON
The face bow transfer , occlusal plane
and relationship of the opposing casts
are preserved when the articulator is
opened and closed.
 NON-ARCON
ARTICLATOR
These articulators have the condylar
elements attached to the upper member.
The condylar guidance is attached to the
lower member.
These articulator is the reverse of the TMJ.
Eg ; Hanau H series ,Dentatus ,Gysi.
 FULLY ADJUSTABLE
ARTICULATOR
They are capable of being adjusted to follow the
mandibular movements in all direction.
These articulators have numerous adjustable
readings which can be customized for each patient.
They do not have a condylar guidance.
Instead they have receptacles in which acrylic dough
can be contoured to form a customized condylar and
incisal guidance.
They are not commonly used due to their complexity.
Eg ;Stuart instrument, Gnathoscope,
STRUCTURE OF
ARTICULATOR
Mean Value Articulator
 Mean Value Articulator

110 mm

110 mm
110 mm 110 mm
Hanau Wide Vue
ARTICULATORS OF HISTORIC INTEREST

GARIOT (1805)
Hinge joint articulator,

It consisted of two metal frames to

which the cast could be attached ,

A simple hinge to join them, and a set

screw in the posterior of the instrument
to hold the frames at a fixed vertical
position.
The adaptable BARN
DOOR
It consist of Hinge with a
vertical stop at the anterior
end of the upper and lower
members, provides a more
reliable instrument than some
of the other hinge joint
articulators.
These instrument are capable
of eccentric movements, but
the condylar and incisal paths
are not adjustable.
 ACME(I906)
Available in three models to
accommodate three ranges of
intercondylar distance.
The condylar paths are adjustable
The incisal guide pins rest on a
changeable guide, and Bennett
movements is provided, but is not
limited.
GYSE SIMPLEX (1914)
As a mean value articulator.
 GYSE ADAPTABLE
(1908)
It was an advance at the time,
As it is used extra oral graphic tracings
and a particular condylar plate.
 MONSON
MAXILLOMANDIBULAR
INSTRUMENT(1918)
Based on spherical theory. This concept is
derived from an idea evolved by von spee
that the lower teeth move as over the external
surface of a sphere with a radius of 4 inches.
BERGSTROM INSTUMENT
ARTICULATOR
It is an Arcon instrument.
 PRECISION CO-
ORDINATOR
It was an broken axis instrument.
It also had a milling device built into its
base.
TRANSOGRAPH (1952)
It is a split axis instrument designed to
allow each condylar axis to function
independently of the other.
 STANSBERY TRIPOID
It has a built in lathe
attachment is used to mill the
occlusion with abrasives paste
to the desired dimension of
occlusion.
The milling device provides an
elliptic horizontal freedom of
the occlusion in the centric
position.
 DENTOGRAPH; KILE
(1955)
It differ from all other
articulating instrument in
that it is custom built by
and for each patient.
 DUPLI FUNCTIONAL
ARTICULATOR ; IRISH
(1965)
It was primarily for use in conserves as a
three dimensional tripoid type of dental
articulators on which dentures may be
constructed and their occlusion.
 GRANGERS
GNATHOLATOR
Same principles as McCULLUMS
GNATHOSCOPE.
 NEY
ARTICULATOR;DR.A.J.DEPIETRO

It was set with a series of interocclusal

records using a central bearing device
and a gothic arch tracing.
 SIMILATOR
ARTICULATOR;GRANGER
 HOUSE ARTICULATOR;
M.M. HOUSE
The instrument had a milling device that
created a 40/100 inch elliptic area to the
occlusion in the intercuspid position.
 GYSI TRUBYTE
SIMPLEX
It was used for complete denture
technique.
CURRENT POPULAR
ARTICULATORS;
STEPHENS ARTICULATOR
Its primary movement is a
hinge a limited lateral
movement
It have a set screw in the
posterior of the instrument
It have an anterior pin to
maintain vertical relation.
STUART ARTICULATOR;
C.E.STUART
The frames are rigid construction in a design that
provides for good vision and working space
All adjustable components are study with working
space.
The fossa assemble is designed so that it can be
clockwise and counterclockwise around a vertical
axis upto 25 degree eachway.
Nine superior wall fossa inserts are made in a
geometric curvatures from 3/8 inch radius upto 4-inch
radius and then one can be altered by grinding.
The condyle element can be
adjusted from 76 to150 mm.
The upper frame is centered
on the lower and maintained
in centeric position by a
centering arm engaging a
groove in a centering bracket
Excursive and opening
movements are permitted via a
tension spring attached to the
centering arm.
 PANADENT
ARTICULATORS;CURRENT
MODELS (1983)
In this it is possible to classify individual condylar movements into

groups according to the amount of precurrent side shift.

There are five pairs in the set with precurrent side shift 0f

0.5,1.5,2.0,2.5 mm and 6 degree progressive angulation

The latest model is the mechanical latch ,these mechanism keeps the

upper and lower member joined together yet permit an opening

movement of 180 degree.

It has fixed intercondylar of 110mm distance.

 WHIP MIX
ARTICULATOR;DR
CHARLES STUART(1960)
It permits the user to quickly and easily mount
casts.
The original model is designated now as the
8500.
The condylar elements on the lower frames
are adjustable to three positions.
The narrowest distance is 96mm.
The intermediate distance is 110mm.
The widest distance is 124mm.
The condylar guides can be adjusted from 0
-70 degree inclination.
The medial walls are ajustable from 0- 45
degree to provide a progressive side shift.
The posterior wall are straight.
The standard articulator includes a flat plastic
incisal guide table ,a metal adjustable incisal
table, and a diminished plastic incisal guide
table are also available
These is more suitable in situation with
extremely steep plane of occlusion.
Models with these features are
designated 8500A, 8800A, 9OOOA,
9800A,
Latest version are DB2240, DB 2200.
In this the posterior viewing and access
space has been increased.
The additional interframe distance has been
increased to 114mm to provide more space
for bulky casts.
It precisely centers the upper lower frames to
each while activated , the upper frames can
be hinged open upto 90 degree.
The model 2000 articulator is the same as the
model 2200 except that it features a
modification of the guide wall of the condylar
assembly.
The medial wall at its end to provide for a
curvelinear movement of the orbiting condylar
path.
Shims of 1 and 2 mm thickness are provide.
The 1mm shim , when in plane allows 1mm of
curvelinear side shift in the first
AUTO MARK
ARTICULATORS
This is a non adjustable articulator with fixed guidance.
The medial wall has a 7 degree progressive
angulation.
Four types of incisal tables and incisal guide pins
combinations are available and are interchangble from
one articulator model to another.
There is also a slidematic face bow.
It features a unique slide gear mechanism that makes
it easy and to assemble the bow on a patient.
For infection control measures the disposable best bite
system is available
A kinematic face bow can also be used with articulator.
The denar system of instruments gives the profession
good choice for all types of prosthodontic procedures
DENAR ARTICULATORS;
DENAR D5A
Adjustment to the guidance surfaces are
possible in all three planes of space.
The side shift adjustment is in the medial wall
and has provisions for both immediate and
progressive settings.
Precurrent insert is available for the medial
wall.
Nylon or acrylic inserts are available for the
superior wall.
An adjustable metal incisal table and a
custom incisal platform are available for the
D5A.
With denar reference plane locator
anatomic points can be relocated
precisely.
A reusable clutch system consisting of
an autoclavable upper and lower clutch
plate is available.
A digital recorder is also currently
available.
 DENAR MARK II
The current plus model articulator is a two
piece instrument incorporating a positive
locking mechanism that can hold the two
members together and permit 85 degree of
hinge movement.
The horizontal condylar inclination can be
adjusted from 0 to 60 degree.
It has an immediate side shift adjustment of 0
to 4mm plus a progressive shift adjustment of
0 to 15 degree.
The condylar elements are at a fixed 110 mm
intercondylar distance. An adjustable
intercondylar distance 110 to 122mm is
available.
The posterior fossa wall is inclined posteriorly
25degree to allow for a backward movement
of rotating condyle as it moves outwards
during lateral side shift.
A straight rear wall option is available.
The improved plus model includes retaining
springs that hold the upper and lower frames
together without being locked together.
The springs can be easily disengaged.
These springs function like elastics on the
whipmix and like and the dynalinkes
introduced by panadent.
 THE OMNI
ARTICULATOR
The design allows one to easily exchange
closed fossa to open fossa with a protrusive
locking latch.
The purpose of this model is an attempt to
better meet the requirements of complete
removal , and fixed partial denture fabrication
in on articulator.
The omni model is adaptable to wide range of
accessories of other models that can
maximize is versility.
 ANAMARK PLUS
ARTICULATORS
This articulator uses three sets of premolded
analogs based on the same research findings
as described in the panadent section.
The superior wall has a inch curvature ,the
sets have pairs with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm of
precurrent side shift with a 7 degree
progressive angle to the medial wall.
The incisal pin is straight but has a curved
surface at the vertical adjustable area, which
maintained a constant position on the incisal
guide table with changes in height.
COMBI ARTICULATORS
SYSTEM
Recent model of Denar.
It permits the option of using
either a set of stock fossa inserts
or custom fossa.
The stock inserts have a
rectelinear superior wall with
inclinations of 20, 25, 30,
35,40and 45 degrees.
The medial wall has a 15degree
progressive angle the superior
wall angles backward at a 20
degree angle
 HANAU ARTICULATOR
1921
MODEL 96 H2
This is the current model
It maintains most of the features of model H.
The condylar elements are on the axle attached to
the upper frame.
The guidance assembly is a closed slotted and fixed
at 110 mm.
The side shift is adjustable from 0 to 30 degrees and
is progressive in nature.
The horizontal condylar is adjustable from 0 to 75
degrees and is rectilinear in nature.
 MODEL 158 (1977)
The mechanical features are quite similar to
the 96 H2 ,but are arcon in nature.
One nice features in the design is that it can
be inverted to attach the mandibular cast
without the need of a mounting stand .
The horizontal condylar path is adjustable
from 0 to 60, and the side shift is adjustable.
WIDE VUE MODELS 183
AND 184
They are arcon in type and have similar features .
The only difference is that the upper and lower
frames on the model 184 can be separated.
The design results in the most openness at the
posterior of any of the Hanau models.
Horizontal condylar guidance is adjustable from -20
to +60 degrees and
Side shift angle is adjustable from 0 to 30 degrees
Both have rectilinear guidance.
Radial shift model 166-1
The condyle elements are on the lower frame and are fixed at
110 mm.
The horizontal guidance surface has a inch curvature and is
adjustable from 0 to 60 degrees.
The medial wall has a precurrent side shift curvature of a 3mm.
The progressive angle is fixed at 6 degree.
It has a lock that protects upper and lower frames from
accidental separation.
The medial wall of the guidance mechanism has a web on the
undersurface. This helps in tracking of the rotating condylar
element guide table.
 MODULAR
ARTICULATOR SYSTEM
This is a system with a series of interchangable

guidance assemble.

The basic frames of the articulator are produced in

two forms , on with a fixed intercondylar width at 110

mm and adjustable inversion with adjustable

intercondylar width at 100 ,110, 125 and 140 mm.

ADJUSTABLE BENNET ;The side shift is
adjustable from 0 to 30 degree ,has inch
radius superior condylar tracking surface.
Adjustable horizontal inclination from 0 to 90
degree and latches.
The latches lock the upper and lower frames
in terminal hinge position, Can be released to
permit excursive translations without
disengagement , and can be opened to allow
for rapid separation of the frames.
ADJUSTABLE PROTRUSIVE:
This has the same capability as the adjustable Bennet
plus a micrometer adjustment of the posterior stop from 0 to 6 mm in
protrusion.
RADIAL SHIFT:
This has the inch radius superior wall and an
adjustable medial wall from 0 to 3 mm in a curvelinear precurrent
fashion or may be used as a progressive shift from 0 to 30 degrees.
PROGRAMMED:
This model has a inch radius superior wall and a 1mm
radius side shift ,which meets curved medial wall having an 11 cm curve
that closely approaches the path obtained in a graphic tracing instrument.
The modular system of articulators permits a choice of three incisal
guide pins and tables.
 HANAU MATE
This articulator has fixed averages value incorporated
into its design.
The condylar element is at 110 mm and has a 30
degree inclination ,15 degree progressive side shift ,
and 10 degree exclusive inclination on the incisal
guide table .
The upper frame can be separated easily by loosing
two locks.
It will receive most face bows.
Casts are mounted using quick release pins instead
of mounting plates.
There is excellent lingual visibility.
HANAU MATE
SEVERAL FACE - BOWS
FACIA FACE BOW.
EAR PIECE FACE-BOW
TWRIL-BOW and
ADJUSTABLE OR KINEMATIC FACE-
BOW.
 TMJ ARTICULATORS
KENNETH SWANSON(I965)

Custom analog fossa are formed from intraoral

sterographic tracings.
The manufacturer calls the technique sterographix.
The articulator has a spring latch to help return the
upper frame to the centric relation position.
It has nice hinge locking hooks to hold the upper and
lower frames together.
The locking device well permit a hinge opening of 115
degree.
There is a curved incisal guide pin with both a plastic
and adjustable mechanical incisal table.
The mechanical fossa allows condylar inclination
adjustment from 10 to 55 degree and progressive shift
adjustment of 0 to 35 degrees.
The hinge locking hook is present on the mechanical
fossa.
A series of premade fossa analogs are also available .
Each pair contains pairs of fossa with inclinations of
28 ,35, 40,45, and 50 degrees.
Each set has a different color for easy identification .
Each analog has a 0.5 mm precurrent side shift with a
7 degree progressive angle.
 DENTATUS
All models are axle type instrument with a slot in the condylar

assembly for the condylar element to make rectilinear movements.

It has four models ARH , ARL , ARS and ARD models have the

condylar elements as part of the upper frame and the condylar

guidance on upper frame.

Dentatus also manufactures an articulator called balance.

It has three quarters full in over all dimensions and is a non- arcon axle

type articulator.
There are four
interchangeble slot
guidance assembles
from 0 to 15 degrees .

Fixed incisal guide

tables of 0 ,5, 10, and 15
degrees are avaliable. It
will accept either an ear-
bow or regular face bow.
 SAM
The articulator is durable ,
stable and precise .
One aspect of its popularity
is the ability to interchange
mounted casts from one
instrument to another.
 ARTICULATOR
SELECTION
The following factors are pertinent to the understanding and
selection of an articulator.
Articulator movements of the condylar elements do not
reproduce condylar movements in the TMJ.

The goal of articulator is to produce duplicate tooth movements

along border pathways in atleast two planes of space.

The accuracy of an articulator in reproducing tooth movements

along border pathways is indirect relation to its design
principles, the records used to relate casts, and how guidance
settings are determined.
The most important requirements of an articulator are to maintain

centric relation and the vertical dimensions of occlusion once it has

established.

Fixed condylar elements at 110 mm are all that is necessary . However

if an axle rather than an axis articulator is used with lateral positioned

records to be capability may permit more records to be accepted , if

only protrusive records are used , this features is not helpful.

The articulator should have the capability of adjustment for precurrent

or immediate side shift upto atleast 1.5 mm.The progressive angle is

somewhere between 0 to 12 degree.

The articulator should be able to receive a Face bow record.
An adjustable mechanical incisal guide table cannot reproduce the
natural guidance of the anterior teeth . However , a mechanical guide
table is an essential aid in the arrangement of complete denture
occlusion.

A stereograph has limited value for all but a few types of

prosthodontic situations and is not indicated for complete dentures.

The articulator s sophistication should not exceed the level of training

and ability of the personnel fabricating the restorations.

When an articulator is selected for complete denture
construction, the type will depend somewhat on type of
1. occlusion to be developed.
2.posterior tooth form .
3.excursive tooth guidance and
4.jaw relation records that can be made to adjust the articulator.

The single most important procedure in

complete denture construction is probably the accuracy of the
interocclusal record.
.
 CONCLUSION
Articulators are not always used to their full capabilities .

One should not use too complex an instrument for a simple

case or too simple articulator for a complex case . The

articulator must be within the understanding and

capabilities of the operator. An articulator will perform no

better than the accuracy of the records used to relate casts

and the ability of the operator to set and use it.

 REFERENCES
CHARLES. M HEARTWELL FIFTH EDTION.
BOUCHER TENTH EDTION
SHELDON WRINKER THIRD EDTION
SCHILLINGBURG- THIRD EDTION
J P D- 1976;35 ;630
J P D-1973 ;29;269
J P D -1987;58;422
J P D -1977;37;422
J P D -1980;43;344
J PD -1975;33; 10
J P D -1973;33; 158
J P D -1985;54;296
J P D -1983;13; 873