Interchangeability of Contemporary Semi-adjustable Articulators Used Over Time: An In Vitro Study
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the interchangeability of newly acquired, short-term used, and long-term used semi-adjustable articulators.Materials and methods: Metal analogs of partially dentate maxillary and mandibular arches were mounted on twelve semi-adjustable Stratos 300 articulators, divided into three groups based on usage over time: New, short-term used (<2 years), long-term used (>2 years) articulators.Each articulator was calibrated according to manufacturer guidelines, ensuring consistency.Occlusal contact forces were recorded using a T-scan III device with a pressure-mapping sensor.Maximum intercuspation (MIP) contact magnitudes were recorded by two calibrated examiners at 10-second intervals, ensuring reliable data collection across all conditions.Results: In MIP, tooth #9 consistently exhibited the highest contact percentages across all articulator conditions, with percentages of 22.2% in the new articulator, 21.8% in the short-term used articulators, and 21.5% in long-term used articulators, indicating stable contact force distribution.Tooth #12 consistently showed the lowest MIP contact percentages, suggesting minimal occlusal force in this region due to its absence.Contact forces, measured at 10-second intervals, showed no significant differences among the different articulator conditions in MIP (p > 0.01).Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the calibrated Stratos 300 semi-adjustable articulator maintained superior accuracy over time. Clinical significance:The study confirms that the calibrated Stratos 300 semi-adjustable articulators provide consistent and accurate occlusal measurements over time, regardless of their usage over time.
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: University of Pennsylvania
OpenAlex ID: W4405579143