Determining the interchangeability of KaVo PROTAR semi-adjustable articulators

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials engineering

Background:

• Interchangeable articulators are vital for accurate prosthetic restorations.
• A lack of interchangeability can compromise the precision of occlusal relationships.
• This study focuses on the interchangeability of KaVo PROTARevo semi-adjustable articulators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the interchangeability of KaVo PROTARevo semi-adjustable articulators.
• To determine if these articulators meet the criteria for precise clinical outcomes.
• To assess the impact of articulator variability on prosthetic restoration accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized KaVo PROTARevo semi-adjustable articulators in regular clinical use.
• Transferred identical casts between articulators to assess dimensional consistency.
• Measured distances between casts using digital photography (sagittal and frontal views) analyzed by software.
• Assessed inter-examiner reliability for measurement consistency.

Main Results:

• High inter-examiner reliability was observed in the measurements.
• Only 27 out of 231 (approximately 11.7%) articulator pairs met the interchangeability criterion (<166 µm).
• The majority of articulator pairs exceeded the 166 µm threshold in at least one measured dimension.

Conclusions:

• Most tested KaVo PROTARevo articulators do not meet the 166-µm interchangeability standard.
• Significant variability exists among these articulators, potentially affecting restoration accuracy.
• It is recommended to use the same articulator consistently from clinical evaluation to laboratory fabrication to ensure accuracy.