Evaluation of incisal guide calibrations

Area of Science:

• Dental Occlusion
• Prosthodontics
• Dental Articulators

Background:

• Adjustable articulators are crucial for simulating mandibular movements in prosthodontics.
• Accurate measurement of incisal guide calibrations is essential for precise dental restorations.
• Variations in articulator design can impact the reliability of jaw and tooth separation measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the incisal guide calibrations of three adjustable articulators.
• To determine the significance of different incremental markings on these articulators.
• To propose a method for accurately measuring jaw and tooth separation using vertical incisal guide changes.

Main Methods:

• Investigated incisal guide calibrations of three adjustable articulators (Denar D5A, TMJ, Stuart gnathological computer).
• Evaluated the relationship between pin opening and incisor opening through direct measurement and calculation.
• Examined twenty sets of diagnostically mounted casts to assess the accuracy of the radius generating each curved pin relative to incisor position.

Main Results:

• Denar D5A and TMJ articulators demonstrated a closer relationship between pin opening and incisor separation compared to the Stuart gnathological computer, considering as-manufactured incisal guide markings.
• A method was proposed to accurately measure jaw and tooth separation using vertical changes in the anterior incisal guide.
• A table of values was presented to approximate linear incisor separation per calibration mark for each instrument at various positions.

Conclusions:

• The choice of articulator significantly impacts the accuracy of measuring incisor separation.
• Denar D5A and TMJ articulators provide more reliable data for jaw and tooth separation than the Stuart gnathological computer.
• The proposed method and presented table aid in achieving more precise dental restorations through accurate occlusal analysis.