Abstract: The method for articulator adjustment and gnathological instruments for work under this method find application in dental medicine and laboratory dental techniques. These and other goals of this invention are achieved with the measurement of the individual parameters of the patient's mandibular transversal hinge axis in the three planes: transversal, frontal and sagittal, including the following steps: measurement of inter-condylar distance; measurement of the distance between the condylar axis and the occlusal plane; measurement of the distance between the condylar axis and central incisors with a face-bow and bite-tray (FIGS.

Abstract: A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.

Abstract: A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulator. The articulator may significantly improve the coupling force between a maxillary fixing part and a mandibular fixing part. In addition, since the horizontal turning radius of the maxillary fixing part is easily adjustable according to the size of a mandible model, errors that may occur when the state of occlusion between the mandible model and a maxillary model is checked may be easily prevented.

Abstract: A head frame apparatus is secured to a human head during maxillofacial surgery and includes devices to easily position and secure an endotracheal (breathing) tube and an anesthesia delivery circuit for the patient that reduces the likelihood that the flow of oxygen through the tube is restricted thereby reducing the risk of severe injury or death. The head frame apparatus also includes a removable reference indicator, which may be easily attached and removed while identifying a reference point of the patient's face. Also the reference indicator includes a universal joint and pointer with an attached ruler. A transport apparatus positions multiple preset reference indicators and allows for preoperative transportation and removal, while protecting the preset reference indicators from inadvertent adjustment. A bendable reference indicator used in an articulator for preoperative modeling allows for easily identifying reference points in a cast model.

Abstract: Provided is a dental articulator, and more particularly, a dental articulator, in which a tray keeping a shape and dimensions of a dental model is fitted into an upper portion of a base member to which the dental model is coupled. Particularly, the tray coupled to a top surface of the base member is geometrically similar to the base member, and includes a boundary wall formed along an edge thereof at a predetermined thickness and height, a through-hole formed inside the boundary wall, and a pin cap structure that has a plurality of fitting holes into which pins of a pin structure of the base member are fitted and which are continuously formed along an inner central axis of the through-hole and that is connected to opposite inner ends of the boundary wall. Further, each of the arcuate and linear boundary walls of the tray has a plaster anti-overflow flange formed at an upper end thereof and bent in an outward direction to prevent plaster from overflowing down.

Abstract: An articulator has trays which have at least one opening with repeating broadened and narrowed regions allows for varying stabilization means to be used therewith. In one embodiment, the stone used for making the model acts as a stabilizing means without use of pins.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed for dental modeling. The apparatus includes a first tray positioned opposite a second tray and a dearticulating hinge coupling the first tray to the second tray. The dearticulating hinge includes a first hinging element coupled to one of the first tray and the second tray and a second hinging element coupled to the other of the first tray and the second tray. At least one of the first hinging element and the second hinging element includes a disengaging element configured to engage a spur to uncouple the first hinging element from the second hinging element upon extending the first tray and the second tray beyond a predefined angle relative to one another.

Abstract: Provided is a dental articulator and a dental model fixing pin used for the same. The dental articulator has a base member for molding a dental model for a patient. The base member includes a protrusion bed that is formed on a top face of the base member along a central line in a lengthwise direction of the base member, comes into contact with a plaster dental model placed on the top face of the base member, and has a predetermined height, length, and width. The protrusion bed includes a plurality of pin fixing holes in a middle portion thereof, the plurality of pin fixing holes being spaced apart from one another at regular intervals and passing through an interior of the base member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental model articulator used to manufacture artificial teeth or prosthetic teeth at a dental technician's office. Particularly, the dental model articulator includes a latch adapted to fixedly latch a maxillary base to a mandibular base. The dental model articulator enables the manufacture of more sophisticated artificial teeth and prosthetic teeth as replacements for damaged teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dentistry to obtain positional data related to movement of a mandible about a maxilla comprises a rigid support frame for supporting a maxilla support member, a positionable mandibular member and sensing assemblies. The support member fixedly attaches to the support frame. The mandibular member is positionable proximate the maxilla member. The sensing assemblies attach to the support frame and connect to the mandibular member to obtain positional data related to the movement of the mandibular member. The positional data is collected by a computing device and stored in a data storage medium as time history files. The files can then be transformed into usable information to replicate the mandibular movement in real time either virtually or mechanically.

Abstract: A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for recording and simulating the condylar movement of an individual. This invention also provides a dental articulator which is designed to simulate the jaw or condylar movements of a patient. This instrument enables a dentist to obtain the necessary diagnostic information for treatment of the occlusal irregularities, such as malocclusion, and the fabrication of dental cast or “dentures”.

Abstract: One embodiments of the present subject matter include a method that includes fixing a top pantograph to a patient via clutches to the top teeth of the patient, fixing a bottom pantograph to a patient via clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient, optically monitoring the bite of the patient by monitoring the relation of the top pantograph to the bottom pantograph during a bite cycle, storing data relating to the actual bite, fitting the top pantograph and bottom pantograph to casts that are fixed to an automatically adjustable articulator and replicating the bite by moving the automatically adjustable articulator and optically monitoring said movement to replicate the monitored bite using feedback by comparing optical data relating to the replicated bite to the data relating to the actual bite.

Abstract: A Geller dental arch model includes openings to receive dies. An improvement to the Geller model uses slotted dies, along with complementary support members within the openings of the arch model, to provide proper x, y, and z orientation for the die within the dental model. By avoiding large planar surfaces within the die, this approach can achieve improved fabrication accuracy and better fit for dies and/or arches fabricated with computerized fabrication systems, particularly on surfaces where critical z-axis alignment of a die occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus to replicate and analyze movement of a mandible relative to a maxilla with dental casts thereof includes a base frame, an arm connected to the base frame and a suspension assembly positionable by a plurality of electro-mechanical actuators. The arm connects to the base frame and supports the dental cast of the maxilla in a fixed position relative to the base frame. The suspension assembly, having opposing first and second sides, supports the dental cast of the mandible in working relation to the dental cast of the maxilla. The plurality of actuators each selectively impart movement to the sides of the suspension assembly such that the movement of the mandible obtained during a recording process can be replicated on the apparatus in real time.

Abstract: A dental model baseplate for use in the manufacture of a working dental model. The baseplate includes a connector element to fix a dental model articulator. An apparatus includes a plate portion and an adapter portion extending from the plate portion, the adapter portion configured for connecting to a portion of the dental articulator.

Abstract: An improved dental articulator includes an independent vertical adjustment, thereby maintaining a proper plane of occlusion. The vertical height adjustment mechanism enables the upper and lower bows to be spread apart and brought together regardless of the settings of the hinge mechanism. The mechanism may include a single, central threaded rod attached to a manually operated dial, the rotation of which raises and lowers the upper bow and hinge mechanism. The preferred embodiment may further include one or more smooth rods on either side of the threaded rod, each smooth rod being journaled into its own bore to maintain smooth and consistent up and down movements. The rear portion of the upper bow is spring may be biased into opposing retainers on either side in the absence of rocking motion.

Abstract: Universal articulator for the preparation of dental prosthesis through transference of double impressions of the anterior and posterior areas of the mouth cavity capable of reproducing and keeping in an exact way the transference of the mouth occlusion of a patient for making up a prosthesis, the articulator is comprised by a posterior frame from which there is a projection of an upper branch connected in an articulated way from its posterior end to the upper end of the articulation frame, and a lower horizontal branch fixed in the lower part of that articulation frame. The articulator includes a fixing pin for the upper branch position with respect to the lower branch and arranged in the nearby area of the articulation frame.

Abstract: A dental articulator includes an articulator frame. The articulator frame has an upper member adapted to hold an upper mounting plate. The upper mounting plate holds an upper dental cast. An elongate lower member of the frame holds a lower mounting plate. The lower mounting plate holds a lower dental cast. The upper member is pivotally connected to the lower member so as to define an anatomically accurate hinge axis to simulate human jaw movement. The dental articulator can be used to form dental prostheses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulator capable of completely and faithfully reproducing movements of a mandibular cast and maxillary cast. The articulator introduces a suspended mandibular member, the mandible being similar to that of in human beings. The mandible is suspended from the condyles in the glenoid fossa of the tempero mandibular joint. The articulator and the mandibular member are suspended between the maxillary member and the base representing the feet or base in a human. The articulator has a mechanism for anterior incisal guidance by providing incisal pins attached to the mandibular member. The incisal pin attached to the mandibular member creates the anterior guidance on an incisal table resting on the base. The articulator creates the possibility of the condyle executing pure rotary movement in the centric position until a vertical opening between the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.

Abstract: A tooth mold retaining frame comprises an L shape seat; a pivotal block; a universal connector; a first positioning block; a second positioning block; and a first fine adjust unit. By using the first fine adjust unit, second fine adjust unit and the fine-adjust device, an upper teeth mold, and a lower teeth mold can move with respect to one another precisely. By a universal connector, the upper teeth mold can move three directionally and can lift or descend proportionally so as to avoid the error in manufacturing of the teeth mold. Thus the teeth mold can be made precisely and the condition of the teeth mold can be viewed conveniently. Furthermore, the teeth mold can be sent directly without needing to send the teeth frame. Thus, the manufacturer can make the teeth mold continuously without affecting the working time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulator capable of completely and faithfully reproducing movements of a mandibular cast and maxillary cast. The articulator introduces a suspended mandibular member, the mandible being similar to that of in human beings. The mandible is suspended from the condyles in the glenoid fossa of the tempero mandibular joint. The articulator and the mandibular member are suspended between the maxillary member and the base representing the feet or base in a human. The articulator has a mechanism for anterior incisal guidance by providing incisal pins attached to the mandibular member. The incisal pin attached to the mandibular member creates the anterior guidance on an incisal table resting on the base. The articulator creates the possibility of the condyle executing pure rotary movement in the centric position until a vertical opening between the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an occludator whereby joint movements at occlusion being similar to the actual tempromandibular joint movements of an individual patient or ideal movements can be reproduced, and a face bow to be used for the occludator. To achieve this object, an occlusion plane against a standard plane is accurately drawn by using the above face bow F whereby the occlusion plane can be drawn at a high accuracy. A solid model of the tempromandibular joint similar to the tempromandibular joint form of an actual patient is used as the joint unit of the occludator K, while the positional relationship in the body at occlusion is three-dimensionally reproduced in the occludator I with the use of the above-described face bow F.

Abstract: A visible coding of components of an articulator apparatus that mount maxillary and mandible casts indicates the relative correspondence between post-treatment goals and the present locations of a person's teeth and jaws. From another aspect, the visible coding indicates at least a direction, and preferably, a direction and a distance, which a person's teeth and/or jaws must be moved to achieve the goals.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a molding tray for molding the base of a quadrant or full-arch dental model cast which has a longitudinally disposed partition panel disposed generally between upper and lower surfaces of the tray that forms therewithin an upper well for receiving liquid die stone to mold the base of a dental impression model, and a lower well shaped symmetrically to the upper well for providing clearance for optional manipulating pins installable in the bases of selected die segments modeling individual dental prostheses severed from the hardened die stone base of the model. The partition panel includes peripheral flanges for supporting the base of the dental model, and an openable central portion for enabling a hardened dental model to be ejected from the tray, and for providing access for manipulating pins depending downwardly from die segments.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes: accessing a bite register with a post, upper and lower dental models, and a fixture having upper and lower plates and a clamp; coupling the register post to the fixture, such that the register post has a first orientation; coupling the upper and lower models to the register; coupling the upper and lower models to the upper and lower plates; uncoupling the register; coupling an appliance post to the fixture, such that the appliance post has a second orientation the same as the first orientation; and forming a custom oral appliance coupled to the appliance post and maintaining the second orientation of the appliance post. In one embodiment, a device is configured to couple to an articulator and to position and retain a bite register post. The device includes a lower member, first and second couplers, an upper member, and an adjustor.

Abstract: A dental articulator includes a lower jaw member, two pillars each extending vertically upwardly from the lower jaw member. The pillars each carry a ball, which correspond to a human mandibular condyle. The articulator further includes an upper jaw member disposed over the lower jaw member and carrying housings each provided on either side of a rear portion of said upper jaw member. Each of the balls is received in one of the housings so that the upper jaw member is vertically pivotable about the balls. Each housing includes a top wall coupled to the upper jaw member so as to be vertically movable relative to the upper jaw member while kept in contact with one of the balls and configured to be fixed to the upper jaw member at any position, and a rear wall coupled to the upper jaw member so as to be movable back and forth while kept in contact with one of the balls and configured to be fixed to the upper jaw member.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid modeling material or casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for forming complementary shapes in sides of a casting molded in said tray, a base portion of which has in outer walls thereof alternating vertically disposed grooves and ribs, the trough having a frangible base plate which overlies an upwardly concave cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the upper casting has solidified, hardened and been removed, the base plate being broken and removed to uncover an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity enabling the cast to be ejected from the tray, pins fitted into selected portions of the casting base, the casting reinserted into the trough, and the tray inverted to receive liquid die stone which hardens to form a stone base matrix for i

Abstract: A premanufactured dental model base, and method, for supporting a cast dental model. The dental model base may be selectively connected to an articulator attachment plate which is adaptable for connecting the dental model base to a metal articulator. The same dental model base, at a user's option, may also be connected to a disposable articulator through a groove in the base that engages a disposable articulator tongue or by connecting a disposable articulator ball directly to a socket in the base. Thus, the dental model base may be conveniently used with either a metal articulator or a disposable articulator. In one embodiment, a concave socket at one end of the dental model base may engage an articulator ball or may engage the articulator attachment plate such that the attachment plate is detachably connected to the dental model base.

Abstract: A dental articulating system to duplicate a patient's teeth for producing a dental prosthesis includes a pair of trays pivotally coupled together. A plurality of registration pins is disposable in a plurality of registration pin holes formed in at least one of the trays. A thin membrane is disposed across a registration pin hole to close off the registration pin hole and resist dental casting material from substantially filling the registration pin hole. The thin membrane is breakable by a registration pin inserted into the registration pin hole. A method for forming a dental model includes pressing a registration pin through a thin membrane extending across a registration pin hole on at least one of the trays of a dental articulator so that the registration pin breaks the thin membrane and extends through the thin membrane.

Abstract: A dental articulator for connecting first and second dental models generally includes upper and lower arms hinging at their rear ends by a hinge. Each arm front end is connected by a coupling to a dental model. Each coupling generally includes a ball, a coupling, a rear socket and a fastener joining the coupling and rear socket such that the socket is movable rotationally, up and down, and side to side on the ball to a selected position. The hinge also provides for movements of the arms mimicking those of a human jaw. The lower arm means for adjusting the height of the hinge. Upper and lower dental models each include a holder of an incisor spacing assembly co-cast into the base. The holders hold an incisor pin for adjusting the vertical spacing between the fronts of the dental models.

Abstract: A dental articulating device and method to duplicate at least a portion of a patient's mouth for use in producing a dental prosthesis includes a pair of trays pivotally coupled together by an integral hinge. The hinge includes a pivot axle and a shoulder extending at least partially around the pivot axle and creating two axle portions extending on each side of the shoulder. A pair of fingers are pivotally positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axle and on opposite sides of the shoulder and separated by both the axle and the shoulder.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a re-usable tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for molding complementary shaped grooves and ribs in opposed sides of the base of a dental model casting molded in said tray. The trough has a base frame which overlies an upwardly concave lower cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the casting base has solidified, hardened and been removed. The base frame has therethrough an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity. A resilient insert is removably lodged in the base frame aperture to form therewith a liquid-tight seal, whereupon liquid die stone is poured into the upper trough to form the base of a dental model casting. After the casting has hardened, the insert is removed, and pins are fitted into selected portions of the cast base.

Abstract: A tooth model occlusion testing device comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw that pivotally connect to each other. Two tooth model bases are respectively received in the upper and lower jaws, and are provided with a plurality of perforations to insert a tooth model. The upper and lower jaws are thereby capable of turning to an open and occluding position to evaluate the alignment of the upper and lower parts of the tooth model in the occluding position.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid modeling material or casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for forming complementary shapes in sides of a casting molded in said tray, a base portion of which has in outer walls thereof alternating vertically disposed grooves and ribs, the trough having a frangible base plate which overlies an upwardly concave cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the upper casting has solidified, hardened and been removed, the base plate being broken and removed to uncover an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity enabling the cast to be ejected from the tray, pins fitted into selected portions of the casting base, the casting reinserted into the trough, and the tray inverted to receive liquid die stone which hardens to form a stone base matrix for i

Abstract: The Articulator is used in the dental field. It combines the upper and lower models of the impression taken by the dentist of the patient's bite. When the dental technician receives the impression, he pours the master models until they dry and the models are combined in the articulator with the use of plaster, to register patient's bite to further design the prosthetic.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a re-usable tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for molding complementary shaped grooves and ribs in opposed sides of the base of a dental model casting molded in said tray. The trough has a base frame which overlies an upwardly concave lower cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the casting base has solidified, hardened and been removed. The base frame has therethrough an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity. A resilient insert is removably lodged in the base frame aperture to form therewith a liquid-tight seal, whereupon liquid die stone is poured into the upper trough to form the base of a dental model casting. After the casting has hardened, the insert is removed, and pins are fitted into selected portions of the cast base.

Abstract: A mandible alignment system for aligning a model of a mandible relative to an axis of rotation to substantially replicate the orientation of the mandible relative to an axis of rotation. The mandible alignment system may include aligning an axis formed between a point on a first retro molar pad of a model of a mandible with a point on a second retro molar pad of the model with an axis of rotation of a device. The axis formed between the retro molar pads of the mandible may be oriented to be parallel, or substantially parallel, to the axis of rotation of the device along the Z-axis and the X-axis. The mandible alignment system also includes numerous devices for facilitating alignment of the model of the mandible with the axis of rotation of the device.

Abstract: A dental articulating device and method to duplicate at least a portion of a patient's mouth for use in producing a dental prosthesis includes a pair of trays pivotally coupled together by an integral hinge. The hinge includes a pivot axle and a shoulder extending at least partially around the pivot axle and creating two axle portions extending on each side of the shoulder. A pair of fingers are pivotally positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axle and on opposite sides of the shoulder and separated by both the axle and the shoulder.

Abstract: A dental articulating system to duplicate a patient's teeth for producing a dental prosthesis includes a pair of trays pivotally coupled together. A plurality of registration pins is disposable in a plurality of registration pin holes formed in at least one of the trays. A thin membrane is disposed across a registration pin hole to close off the registration pin hole and resist dental casting material from substantially filling the registration pin hole. The thin membrane is breakable by a registration pin inserted into the registration pin hole. A method for forming a dental model includes pressing a registration pin through a thin membrane extending across a registration pin hole on at least one of the trays of a dental articulator so that the registration pin breaks the thin membrane and extends through the thin membrane.

Abstract: A method for treating maxilla/cranial base to mandibular axis discrepancies in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of a patient such as caused by mandibular, temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (MTDS) or developmental facial/dental deformities without performing open jaw joint surgery. The method includes (1) repositioning the patient's mandible into a stable relationship with the cranial base using a craniomandibular orthopedic repositioning orthotic which over time deprograms the patient's jaw into the stable mandible to cranial base relationship; (2) constructing a model of the patient's mouth on a jaw joint simulator which replicates the patient's jaw joint true hinge axis of rotation in the repositioned and stabilized mandible to cranial base relationship; (3) planning on the model a surgical procedure comprising total maxillary osteotomy which substantially treats the MTDS or developmental facial/dental deformities; and (4) performing the surgical procedure to treat the discrepancies.

Abstract: Abstract This invention relates to a disposable one-piece dental articulator. It is formed in one piece from a single sheet of plastic whereby the upper and lower quadrants are scored perpendicular to the vertical length of the dental articulator to form the two hinged ends and a body member. The hinges allow the upper and lower members free radial motion about the axis of the scored hinges and they are able to fold flush against the body member. On either side of the two hinges are retention holes to secure the articulated dental models.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulator for completely reproducing mandibular movement of a living subject by performing adjustment of occlusion by regulating condylar spheres and condyle boxes disposed between maxillar and mandibular frames carrying maxillar and maxillar casts with a Bennett lift mechanism. The Bennett lift mechanism is mounted independently of the condyle boxes and on a base axis connecting the condylar spheres independently of the condyle boxes, so that vertical regulation of movements of a mandible in vertical, lateral and anteroposterior directions can be individually reproduced. Also, opening and closing movement of the maxillar and mandibular casts around the base axis (intercondylar axis) can be performed in an centric occlusion position.

Abstract: A dental model articulator includes two hinge-jointed arms, each arm having segments connected to a hinge joint having mating elements, one integral to each segment of an arm. One element includes two cymbals that are coaxial on a major hinge axis and concave facing which resiliently capture between them a node of the mating element on the other segment which has the form of opposed, outwardly facing convexities. Multiaxial motion between the segments of each arm is accomodated by the rotation of the convexities of the node within detents at the apices of the cymbals. The extremities of each arm terminate in cylindrical rod-like elements that are parallel to the major hinge axis. The rods engage with transverse, cylindrical channels either cut-in, molded-in or affixed to the models. With the models positioned in centric occlusal relationship and the arms adjacently positioned and engaged, the four rods are adhesively fixed in the channels.

Abstract: An improved ball-and-socket joint for use with dental model articulators of a vertex type comprising two brackets hinged together at one end and each connected at the other end by a ball-and-socket joint to a separate one of two stone plates bearing dental castings. The ball-and-socket joints have releasable mechanical means for affixing the ball in the socket after the plates have been aligned for bite and occlusal fit between the dental castings. Affixing the ball in a socket is achieved by mechanically adjusting the diameter of one relative to the other of the socket and the ball to create a friction force that affixes the ball in the socket. In one embodiment, the mechanical means comprises a C-clamp having a concave band with a cross-sectional diameter substantially equal to the ball diameter and a gap to allow the ball to be snap-fit into the C-clamp.

Abstract: The articulator of the present invention provides relative manipulation of dental casts for simulation of occlusal and masticatory movements of the mouth. The articulator consists of three parts—a lower frame, an upper frame, and a middle frame. The lower frame is comprised of an elongated rectangular box, a bracket, and a male hinge. The elongated box has an open bottom and an insert at the top with a series of grooves. The upper frame is comprised of an elongated, channeled surface, a deformable bracket, a female hinge, and a platform with holes. The bottom surface has flat areas to attach a pre-prepared cast with an adhesive. Outside of the flat areas are two rectangular boxes to pour the model stone, forming the opposing cast. A platform with three holes is provided for maintaining the original vertical height of the jaws. The horizontal section of the bracket may be softened by heating for quick bite correction and remounting.

Abstract: A clamp device and method for restraining a hinge joint of a model articulator to single axis vertical hinging motion is disclosed. The hinge joint comprises outwardly facing convexities restrained between elements that incorporate detents to mate with the convexities, the hinging action of the joint provided for by the rotation of the convexities while captured between the detents. The hinge joint further permits functional masticatory protrusive and lateral motions of the dental models articulated by the joint by allowing sliding motion of the convexities outside of the centric position of the detents. The clamp device placed around the joint prevents splaying of the elements of the joint, thereby limiting the functional motions of the joint thus and forcing the joint to a strictly hinging action.

Abstract: The articulator of the present invention provides relative manipulation of dental casts for simulation of occlusal and masticatory movements of the mouth. The articulator consists of three parts—a lower frame, an upper frame, and a middle frame. The lower frame is comprised of an elongated rectangular box, a bracket, and a male hinge. The elongated box has an open bottom and an insert at the top with a series of grooves. The upper frame is comprised of an elongated, channeled surface, a deformable bracket, a female hinge, and a platform with holes. The bottom surface has flat areas to attach a pre-prepared cast with an adhesive. Outside of the flat areas are two rectangular boxes to pour the model stone, forming the opposing cast. A platform with three holes is provided for maintaining the original vertical height of the jaws. The horizontal section of the bracket may be softened by heating for quick bite correction and remounting.