Abstract: The specification discloses an articulator and associated method for assembling upper and lower dental models corresponding to the upper and lower sets of a patient's teeth in a desired occlusal relationship for simulation of occlusal and masticatory movements by application of a force to the dental models supported by the articulator. The articulator comprises a frame comprising resiliently deformable first and second frame sections pivotally connected together for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. Each of the frame sections includes an elongate channel, the channels being arranged such that pivotal movement of the frame sections about the pivot axis sweeps the length axes of the channels through arcs in a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. Structure is provided for limiting pivotal movement of the frame sections beyond a closed position at which the length axes of the channels are disposed substantially coaxially.

Abstract: An articulator for the accurate but resilient positioning of a pair of dental model casts, to provide convenient assess for a technician working on the casts. The articulator (10) comprises a resilient frame (20) having hinged intermediate portions (28), (30) which are attached to mating end portions (22), (24). The frame (20) is attached to a pair of mounting elements (50), (52) by means of connecting rods (64), (66) the balls (68), (70), (72), (74) of which are received in sockets (54), (56), of the mounting elements and sockets (60), (62) of the intermediate portions (28), (30) of the frame (20). The mounting elements are cast into dental model casts (12) and (14). When appropriate positioning of the elements is achieved, an adhesive is applied between the sockets and the balls of the connecting rods so as to maintain the desired position of the casts and articulator relative to each other.