Interchangeability of a semiadjustable articulator.

Area of Science:

• Dental occlusion and prosthodontics
• Mechanical engineering in dental devices

Background:

• Semi-adjustable articulators are crucial for simulating patient occlusion in dental laboratories.
• Ensuring interchangeability of articulators is vital for consistent and accurate dental restorations.
• Manufacturer criteria for articulator performance, such as spatial deviation limits, guide device selection and use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if new Hanau semi-adjustable articulators meet manufacturer criteria for mediolateral (102 microns) and 3D (166 microns) interchangeability.
• To determine if articulator interchangeability is maintained after 18 and 30 months of functional use.

Main Methods:

• Spatial deviations of 30 Hanau articulators (10 new, 10 aged 18 months, 10 aged 30 months) were measured using a field-inspection gauge.
• Measurements were compared against a master articulator to assess interchangeability.
• Analysis included mediolateral and three-dimensional deviations.

Main Results:

• Nine out of ten new articulators met the mediolateral interchangeability criterion.
• Only four out of ten new articulators met the three-dimensional interchangeability criterion.
• While interchangeability was observed among groups at a specific point, the 30-month group showed significant deviations compared to new and 18-month groups.

Conclusions:

• Most tested articulators met mediolateral, but not three-dimensional, interchangeability standards.
• Clinicians should be aware of potential occlusal errors (around 0.2 mm) when interchanging dental casts on this articulator system.
• The Hanau articulator system may retain interchangeability for up to 18 months of regular use.