Articulator Zeroing on Condylar Guidance Values: A Comparative Study of Hanau and Artex Systems

Accurate replication of mandibular movements is essential for successful prosthodontic rehabilitation. Semi-adjustable articulators are commonly used for this purpose, and zeroing is a preparatory step intended to standardize articulator settings. However, its influence on condylar guidance values remains unclear. Therefore the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of zeroing on condylar guidance values and compare measurements obtained from Hanau and Artex articulators.

Thirty dentate participants (20-30 years) were included. Maxillary casts were mounted using facebow transfer, and mandibular casts were mounted in maximum intercuspation. Four groups were evaluated: Hanau with zeroing (H0), Hanau without zeroing (H1), Artex with zeroing (A0), and Artex without zeroing (A1). Condylar guidance was recorded using protrusive interocclusal records. Data were analyzed using statistical tests with significance set at p < 0.05.

Significant differences were found between Hanau and Artex articulators under both zeroing and non-zeroing conditions (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed within each articulator when comparing zeroing and non-zeroing conditions (p > 0.05).

The difference in the condylar guidance angle between zeroing and non-zeroing of the articulator is minimal and not statistically significant. However, this small variation could potentially impact the accuracy and precision of prosthesis fabrication. Additionally, there is an observable difference in the condylar guidance angle between the Hanau and Artex articulators, when comparing measurements with and without zeroing.