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LEGO-modified mounting plates to mount 3D printed casts on dental articulators
Mateus Bertolini F Dos Santos1, Scott Hendricks2, Edgar Garcia-Zea3
1Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|April 10, 2026
Summary
This study presents a low-cost method for mounting 3D printed dental casts on articulators using LEGO components and custom plates. This technique ensures reproducible results and integrates digital workflows into dental practices.
Area of Science:
- Dental Technology
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Digital Dentistry
Background:
- Accurate mounting of dental casts on articulators is crucial for occlusal analysis and prosthodontics.
- Integrating 3D printed casts into conventional articulators is challenging due to proprietary mounting system incompatibility.
- Existing solutions often rely on expensive, specialized hardware.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective and adaptable method for mounting 3D printed dental casts.
- To enable seamless integration of digital dental models into traditional laboratory workflows.
- To overcome the limitations of proprietary mounting systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized LEGO components, open-source software, and custom 3D printed mounting plates with a calibration device.
- Designed and calibrated mounting plates using resin 3D printing.
- Incorporated LEGO parts for precise positioning of the 3D printed casts.
Main Results:
- Achieved reproducible maxillary orientation for 3D printed dental casts.
- Demonstrated compatibility with various conventional articulator models.
- Eliminated the need for expensive proprietary mounting hardware.
Conclusions:
- The proposed technique offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for mounting 3D printed dental casts.
- This method facilitates the integration of digital dental models into routine clinical and laboratory procedures.
- The use of open-source components and 3D printing enhances accessibility and adaptability in dental technology.
