[Semi-adjustable articulator for computer aided design of complete denture].
OBJECTIVE
To explore virtual semi-adjustable articulator for complete denture computer aided design (CAD) system, and to simulate biting motion and virtual occlusal adjustment for a complete denture CAD digital model.


METHODS
The edentulous jaw casts, rims and bite records of forward protrusion were made in clinic. The casts were fixed to the articulator and inclination of protrusive condylar guidance was set up with bite records of forward protrusion. Inclination of lateral condylar guidance was calculated and set up with Hanus formula. Inclination of protrusive incisal guidance inclination was calculated and set up with ratios of over bite and overjet of complete denture CAD digital model which have been designed with Complete Denture CAD System. The 3D locus data of semi-adjustable articulator was obtained by scanning three points on articulator with contact head of FARO ScanArm (FARO Technologies Inc., American). In the same scanning coordinate system, the laser scanner was used to get labial/buccal surface data of rims at centric relation position. Based on rims, the coordinate system was set up and the complete denture CAD model was aligned to the locus data. The virtual articulator program was explored with Scoll language offered by Imageware (EDS corp., American). The 3D biting motion simulating, automatic occluding relation detection and automatic occlusal adjustment functions were supported by the program.


RESULTS
A virtual semi-adjustable articulator program for Complete Denture CAD System was explored and applied to a complete denture CAD digital model. With the program, 3D biting motion simulating, automatic occluding relation detection and automatic occlusal adjustment can be realized.


CONCLUSIONS
A technical route of virtual articulator is set up based on semi-adjustable articulator and initial approach is carried out for application of the virtual articulator in CAD progress of complete denture.
Sun
Yu-Chun
YC
Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Dental Computing, Ministry of Health, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
L V
Pei-Jun
PJ
Wang
Yong
Y
D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003725:Dental Articulators; D003779:Denture Design; D003824:Denture, Complete; D006801:Humans