Abstract: A protractor-comparator type tool is used to determine characteristics of a recorded path of a patient's jaw movement for purposes of setting a dental articulator.

Abstract: A mounting device for use in mounting a dental cast of a patient's maxillary teeth in a dental articulator including a removable yoke like bracket for mounting a face bow on the articulator.

Abstract: Styluses defining a hinge axis in a dental articulator are received in guide block pathways defined by side walls and a curved upper wall. The blocks are rotatably mounted to vary the slope of the upper wall. A supply of guide blocks is provided having a medial wall with a rear curved portion which varies for different blocks based on average values. The user selects the blocks having the desired medial wall to provide the desired side shift. In one arrangement, the side walls are formed as a unit and removeably mounted on the upper wall and the user selects the side wall unit from a supply of units providing different degrees of side shift movement. In another form, the medial wall is transversely adjustable.

Abstract: An upper frame including parallel side arms is supported on the patient's ears and attached to a transverse rod supported on the bridge of the patient's nose. A record plate depends from each side arm overlying each of the patient's temporomandibular joints. A lower frame is attached to the lower jaw by means of an adjustable clutch. Adjustable side arms carrying movable styluses engage the record plates on the upper frame. Movement of the styluses over the record plates is monitored to obtain measurements of the joint movements. A tooth separator swingably mounted on the transverse rod of the lower frame separates the rear teeth slightly when the jaw movements are being measured. After the hinge axis position has been located on the record plates, an adjustable straight edge is utilized to indicate the true horizontal plane of reference formed by the two hinge axis points and the point on the patient's nose.

Abstract: Jaw movements are measured mechanically and electrically. The information is used to adjust guide boxes on a dental articulator which cooperate with fixed styluses to simulate jaw movements. The information is also used to select preformed guide blocks with fixed walls. Such preformed guide blocks are adjustably mounted which causes change of the orientation of the fixed walls. Also disclosed is a hinge bracket for use in positioning preformed guide blocks for simple hinging action in an articulator. Further disclosed is a pair of alignment members having laterally extending openings which facilitate lateral adjustment of an articulator upper frame on fixed styluses of a lower frame.

Abstract: An upper frame including parallel side arms is supported on the patient's ears and attached to a transverse rod supported on the bridge of the patient's nose. A record plate depends from each side arm overlying each of the patient's temporomandibular joints. A lower frame is attached to the lower jaw by means of an adjustable clutch. Adjustable side arms carrying movable styluses engage the record plates on the upper frame. Movement of the styluses over the record plates is monitored to obtain measurements of the joint movements. A tooth separator swingably mounted on the transverse rod of the lower frame separates the rear teeth slightly when the jaw movements are being measured. After the hinge axis position has been located on the record plates, an adjustable straight edge is utilized to indicate the true horizontal plane of reference formed by the two hinge axis points and the point on the patient's nose.

Abstract: A transparent plastic block into which jaw movement information is to be drilled is formed with a small diameter hole perpendicular to the recording surfaces of the member to serve as an index to the accuracy of the recording operation. Score lines on the recording surfaces intersecting the hole center line serve as a further accuracy guide. Score lines on the surfaces of the member facilitate observation of the information recorded in the member.

Abstract: A dental clutch member molded in the form of a thin-walled shell fits over the person's lower teeth and is attached thereto by plaster. Holes in the walls of the shell help the plaster become firmly attached to the shell. Support structure molded integral with the shell extends outwardly through the patient's mouth for receiving a horizontal rod to which is attached other dental apparatus. Fracture lines in the shell and the extension permit the shell to be broken into pieces to facilitate removal of the clutch from the patient. One or more tooth separators are molded with the clutch member and then broken away from the shell to be releasably attached to the clutch by detent buttons.