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Interchangeability of Contemporary Semi-adjustable Articulators Used Over Time: An In Vitro Study
Abdulrahman Almalki1, Noor Kutkut2, Ramzi Althubaitiy3
1Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia, Phone: +966555533895, e-mail: aa.almalki@psau.edu.sa, atmalki@hotmail.com.
Calibrated Stratos 300 semi-adjustable articulators show consistent accuracy over time. This study found no significant differences in occlusal measurements between new and used devices, confirming their interchangeability for dental professionals.
Area of Science:
- Dental Technology
- Occlusion Research
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Semi-adjustable articulators are crucial for simulating occlusal relationships in dentistry.
- Assessing the long-term accuracy and interchangeability of these devices is essential for reliable clinical outcomes.
- Wear and tear may affect the precision of articulators over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interchangeability of newly acquired, short-term used, and long-term used semi-adjustable articulators.
- To evaluate the impact of usage duration on the accuracy of occlusal contact force measurements.
- To determine if Stratos 300 articulators maintain consistent performance over time.
Main Methods:
- Twelve Stratos 300 semi-adjustable articulators were divided into new, short-term used (<2 years), and long-term used (>2 years) groups.
- Metal analogs of partially dentate arches were mounted, and articulators were calibrated per manufacturer guidelines.
- Occlusal contact forces in maximum intercuspation (MIP) were recorded using a T-scan III device.
Main Results:
- Tooth #9 consistently showed the highest MIP contact percentages across all groups (new: 22.2%, short-term: 21.8%, long-term: 21.5%).
- Tooth #12 consistently showed the lowest MIP contact percentages.
- No significant differences in MIP contact forces were found among the different articulator usage groups (p > 0.01).
Conclusions:
- The calibrated Stratos 300 semi-adjustable articulator maintained superior accuracy over time in this in vitro study.
- Calibrated Stratos 300 articulators provide consistent and accurate occlusal measurements regardless of usage duration.
- These findings support the interchangeability of Stratos 300 articulators for reliable occlusal analysis.
