Current status and future perspective of virtual articulators

Abstract

In recent years, it is possible to design prostheses using virtual articulators in CAD/CAM system. Conventional articulators are necessary for the fabrication of bio-harmonized prostheses with the indirect method in prosthodontics, and various ones have been developed. In this present report, we classified the virtual articulators based on conventional articulator classification (hinge articulator, average value articulator, semiadjustable articulator, fully adjustable articulator) to discuss the features and usefulness of the virtual articulators. Additionally, we introduce our own developed new-generation virtual articulator, which applied the high precision 3D reconstruction and jaw tracking technologies.