Abstract: A dental articulator has an anterior post having a C-shape to provide visual access to the front teeth. The upper and lower members of the articulator have dove-tail members for slidably receiving cup-like model carriers. The cup-like model carriers have sides of less than 360.degree., with a T-shaped beam on the bottom of the interior of the cup, and a pair of wedge-shaped beams on the bottom of the cup to slidably engage the dove-tail members. In alternative embodiments, the cup-like model carriers are bolted to the articulator, and can be rotatably indexed thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for forming tab samples of material, such as ceramic, having a metal or ceramic base. A form body comprises a recess between two extending arms and a shelf positioned to face the recess between the arms. A base may be positioned on and anchored to the shelf facing into the recess. Ceramic material may be formed on the base within the lateral confines of the recess as defined by the arms. Opaque ceramic material may be formed on the base as an underlayer of the ceramic sample. The ceramic may be fired on the base, and the finished ceramic sample may serve as a shade sample. Plastic or wax material may be formed on the shelf in a replica of such a base to construct a mold for use in forming the base.