Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
M. Krishnaveni,
foushiraj20@gmail.com

Abstract

The mouth comprising the maxilla and two temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are considered the best articulator. Due to various procedures needed to fabricate a prosthesis, a mechanical device simulating two jaws and TMJs are needed for ease of work and comfort of the patient. Such mechanical device is known as “Articulator”. Some of these devices cannot simulate masticatory movements, some cannot reproduce dynamic condition of occlusion. To overcome these drawbacks of mechanical articulator, the authors decided to develop virtual articulator (VA) which can reproduce dynamic condition of occlusion. As it is strongly linked to the use of computer technology, it will be the future of dentistry. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether VA can replace mechanical articulator in future. The data about VA is collected from Google Scholar, Pubmed to know its development, procedural steps to mount casts on VA, and its current status in market. Thus, the concept of VA will change the conventional ways of production and communication in dentistry and will replace the mechanical tools.

Keywords: Virtual articulator, Mechanical articulator, Virtual facebow, Virtual reality technology.