CONTACT POINTS DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO THE ARTICULATOR TYPE: SEMIADJUSTABLE VERSUS NON ADAPTABLE VERSUS DIGITAL

Objectives. To analyze the location and intensity of occlusal contact points using three types of articulators: non adjustable, semiadjustable and digital with aiming at improving the diagnostic and treatment options in dental medicine. Material and method. For analyzing the distribution of contact points, the casts of a patient were mounted in the non adjustable and semiadjustable articulator. Intraoral scanning was performed using an intraoral scanner (Trios 3Shape) and reviewed in a virtual articulator. Occlusion obtained by the three methods was compared to the clinical situation. Results. Contact points in maximum intercuspation, propulsion and lateral movements were analyzed. The points obtained by using the non adjustable articulator have been less intense and more unprecise. By digitizing the contact points, the image becomes more accurate and sharp. Discussion. The semiadjustable articulator reproduces the contact points which are consistent with the clinical situation. Major differences occur when using the non adjustable articulator, which has a limited capacity of reproducing the clinical movements, therefore the marks are non consistent with the real clinical situation. The digital articulator seems promising in terms of eccentric movements. Conclusions. However performing an articulator may be, the clinical maximum intercuspation will never be fittingly reproduced, due to the fact that articulators are rigid systems, whereas the oral cavity has an elasticity, resulting from the mandible, teeth and periodontal ligaments. Virtual articulators need to be further developed for more accurate results.