AN EVALUATION

OF BASIC

ARTICULATORS

AND THEIR

CONCEPTS

Part I. Basic Concepts

LAWRENCE

A. WEINBERG, D.D.S.,MS."

New York University,

College

of Dentistry,

New York, N. Y.

this series of articles is to evaluate several articulators and

T their associatedofconcepts.
Each articulator will be appraised by comparing the
HE

OBJECTIVE

occlusion produced on the instrument to that of a hypothetical patient from whom

all measurements have been made as prescribed in the technique. Clinical implications will be drawn from the accuracy of the resultant occlusion produced on each
articulator.
This series of articles is divided into four parts. The first part deals with a
review of the basic information that is necessary for the evaluation of articulators.
The remaining sections are devoted to a description of the concept, method, and
evaluation of the instruments.
MOTION

Motion itself must be studied to evaluate effectively the reproduction of mandibular movement on an instrument. Motion may be rectilinear or curvilinear in nature. Rectilinear motion is in a straight line, while curvilinear motion can be either
part of an arc or an ellipse (Fig. 1). Any curved motion has an axis of rotation by
definition. When the motion is part of a circle, the axis of rotation is stati0nary.l
Perpendicular bisectors of chords of the arc intersect at the axis of rotation (Fig. 1) .
On the other hand, the axis of rotation itself translates when the motion is part of
an ellipse.2 It is axiomatic that curved motion is always perpendicular to its axis.l
INSTANTANEOUS

CENTERS

OF ROTATION

The instantaneous center of rotation for elliptical motion can be found by

drawing perpendicular lines to equal chords of that part of the curve (Fig. 1).
Many instantaneous centers of rotation are located by repeating this process. Each
one represents the center of rotation of that part of the elliptical motion that it
controls. The radii from each instantaneous center of rotation constantly change.
Instantaneous centers of rotation should not be confused with a moving axis of rotation where the radius remains constant.
This series of articles
has been revised from the Dissertation
in the Department
Prosthetics
submitted
in partial
fulfillment
of the requirements
for the Degree
Science (in Dentistry)
at New York University,
College of Dentistry.
*Instructor,
Department
of Graduate
and Post Graduate
Prosthodontics.
622

of Graduate
of Master
of

Volume 13
Xumber 4

BASIC

ARTICULATORS

AND

THEIR

CONCEPTS,

PART

623

INSTANTANEOUS
CENTERS OF

FIG. I
Fig. 1. (I), Line AB represents
rectilinear
motion.
(21, Curvilinear
motion
is part of an arc
or ellipse AR, (3). (4), Perpendicular
bisectors
of chords of the arc intersect
at the axis of
rotation.
(.5), Instantaneous
centers
of rotation
of elliptical
motion
AR control
movement
for a
specific segment of the curve.
AI3

third

Fig. Z.-Two
of the required
point is at the incisors,
C.

guidances

of motion

are

the

condylar

paths

and

B.

The

624

J. Pros. Dew
July-August,
1963

WEINBERG

PATH-

E?

MUSCLE

COMPLEX

MEASURED AT THE
4NClSORS AS THE
THIRD

POINT

OF

FIG.3
Fig.

3.-The

three

points

of guidance

are related

to the muscle

complex.

Three-dimensional
curved motion has an axis of rotation in each of the 3
planes of space .* These 3 axes are always perpendicular to each other.*
The first requirement of reproducing any motion is the establishment of 3
fixed points on or attached to the object. * Reproduction of three-dimensional
motion
can be obtained by recording the starting position, the path, and the end position
of these 3 fixed points. Clinically, for convenience, 2 of the required guidances of
motion of the mandible are the condylar paths; the third point is measured at the
incisors which will be referred to during movement as the incisal guidance (Fig. 2).
The objective of all articulators
is to serve as a laboratory aid in imitating physiologic motion by substituting mechanical equivalents for anatomic parts.
The starting position of the 3 selected points necessitates some method of
orientation to act as a fixed base from which to refer. Once this fixed base is
oriented in space, the problem is reduced to recording and transferring
the paths
and end positions of the 3 fixed points.
HUMAN

MOTION

Human motion consists of curved movement because the skeletal framework

is moved by muscles and hinged by various types of joints. The type of joint and
the way in which it is used determines the type of curved movement. When the
teeth are not in contact, the mandible is guided by the 2 condylar paths (Fig. 3)
and the entire muscle complex which can be measured at the incisors as the third
point of guidance. It is easier to visualize the muscle complex as the third poini
of guidance if its coordinated effect is measured at the incisor tooth position (as in
incision).
*Weinberg,

R. A.: (B.M.E.)

Personal

Communication.

Volume
Numhrr

13
4

Fig.

BASIC

4.-The

mandible

ARTICULATORS

of

an

upright

AND

THEIR

patient

is

CONCEPTS,

oriented

in

PART

i-elation

625

to

the

three

planes

Of

space.

IMost untrained mandibular motion is elliptical in Nature. This means that the
axes of rotation in the 3 planes translate simultaneously
as rotation occurs. It is
necessary to record simultaneously the curved paths of the 3 separate points to reproduce this three-dimensional
motion accurately. These records make possible the
transfer of the physiologic axes of rotation to an instrument as mechanical axes of
rotation.
PHYSIOLOGIC

VARIABLES

Certain compromises must be evaluated in the clinical transfer of physiologic

of rotation to mechanical axes of rotation. Steel instruments are precise and
whereas muscles, ligaments, and bone have a degree of physiologic tolerance.
tolerance permits the necessary compensations or give which reduce the
of trauma. Physiologic tolerance is a variable factor which differs from paand indeed within the same patient at different times.
The effect of external stimuli is another variable factor. Some examples are:
pain, temperature of waxes, head position, muscle distention, weight of instruments,
muscle tone at the time of measurement, force exerted by the dentist, and psychic
stimuli by the patient or dentist. These factors all contribute to biologic variability.*
Finite measurements of a living organism are extremely difficult to obtain.
Because of the small magnitude of the change, it is practically impossible to evaluate the effect of one or combinations of the biologic variables. For this reason,
the biologic variables must be considered as a source of error to all techniques.

axes
rigid,
This
effect
tient

*Silverman,

S.: Personal

communication.

626
THE

J. Pros. Den.
July-August,
1963

WEINBERG
HYPOTHETICAL

AVERAGE

PATIENT

A hypothetical patient of known measurements must be established to serve as

a standard to evaluate one technique with another. The hypothetical patient is derived by averaging skull measurements. This method facilitates measurement by
mathematics, permits the evaluation of small variations which might easily be absorbed in physiologic variations, and compensates for our inability to accurately
measure and record the movements in a live patient. The hypothetical patient also
serves as an immutable standard for comparison.
The orientation of the mandible of an upright patient in relation to the 3
planes of space is seen in Fig. 4, while the geometry of the hypothetical patient
is shown in Figs. 5 & 7. The protrusive condylar inclination is given as 40 degrees

Fig.
zontal

B.-The
protrusive
plane of the head

with

Fig. B.-The
second molar
as measured
along the horizontal

inclination
of the hypothetical
the patient
in an upright

of the hypothetical
patient
plane and 32 mm. below

patient
position.

is located
it.

is 40 degrees

50 mm.

from

to the

the hinge

hori-

axis

\olume

13

?;umber 4

BASIC

ARTICULATORS

AND

THEIR

CONCEPTS,

PART

627

to the horizontal plane of the head with the patient in an upright position (Fig. 5).
The second molar is located 50 mm. from the hinge axis as measured along the
horizontal plane and 32 mm. below it (Fig. 6). The incisal edge of the mandibular
central incisor is 100 mm. from the hinge axis as measured along the horizontal
plane and 32 mm. below it (Fig. 7).
ESTABLISHMEZNT

OF A FIXED

BASE

The maxillary dental arch is a fixed base from which mandibular motion is
measured. The face-how mounting serves to transfer the definite three-dinlensional

Fig. 7.-The
incisal
edge of the mandibular
central
incisor
100 mm. from the hinge axis, as measured
along the horizontal

of the
plane

hypothetical
patient
and 32 mm. below

is
it.

Fig. 8.-A
fixed base, from which mandibular
motion
is measured,
can be established
only
when the upper cast is correctly
mounted
with the face-bow.
W, The working
movement.
P, The
protrusive
movement.
B, The balancing
movement.

628

WEINBERG

Fig. 9.-The
horizontal
and
incisal guidance

incisal
guide
vertical
planes.
pin.

J. Pros. Den.
July-August,
1963

table regulates
the incisal
guidance
on the articulator
Changes
in the condylar
paths require
different
paths

in the
of the

relationship between the maxillary dental arch and the starting position of the paths
of mandibular movement (Fig. 8). The center of rotation of each condyle during
the opening movement and the incisal guidance serve as the three separate fixed
points for studying motion. The centric relation record orients the cast of the
mandible to the cast of the maxillae from which all measurements are made.
BASIC

ELEMENTS

OF MANDIBULAR

MOTION

The direction of mandibular movements is usually described in pure or border

movements of protrusive, and right and left, lateral excursions.
Protrusive Excursion.-The
protrusive condylar paths are anterior in direction
and usually are directed at some angulation to the horizontal plane. The condyles
move in the sagittal plane in pure protrusive excursions.
Incisal Guidance.-The incisal guidance is formed by the movement of the
lower incisors against the lingual incline planes of the upper anterior teeth. During
protrusive movements, the incisal guidance positions the mandible anteriorly in the
sagittal plane. In lateral movements, the incisal guidance guides the mandible usually at some angulation to the horizontal plane. The incisal table regulates this
guidance on the articulator (Fig. 9).
Balancing Condylar Path.-The balancing condylar path is a curved path that
slopes downward, forward, and medially (Fig. 10). The medial movement is
measured from the sagittal plane and is called the Bennett angle (Fig. 11). The
Bennett angle is not to be confused with the lateral Bennett movement of the
working condyle. The downward angle to the horizontal plane is not necessarily
the samein the protrusive as it is in the balancing excursion. This difference, when
it exists, is called the Fischer angle (Fig. 10) .3
Balancing cusp Inclines.-The working and balancing cusp inclines are related
to the extreme guidances of mandibular motion (condylar and incisal guidances).
The balancing condylar path, balancing cusp inclines, and the incisal guidance may

Volume 13
Sumher

BASIC

ARTICULATORS

AND

THEIR

CONCEPTS,

PART

620

be considered to be approximately in a straight line. The specific balancing cusp

inclination, then, is related to its position between the extreme guiding factors. For
example, a 30 degree balancing condylar path and a 30 degree incisal guidance
result in 30 degree balancing cusp inclines (Fig. 12). When the incisal guidance
is changed to zero degrees and the balancing condylar path remains 30 degrees,
the balancing cusp inclination at the midpoint (near the second molar) is approsimately 15 degrees (Fig. 13).
ITforking Condylar Motiopz.-It
is not possible to examine individual condylar
motion directly. Landa has presented indirect evidence by dissection and cinefluorography that the so-called Bennett lateral shift does not exist. It is his contention
that the working condyle only rotates. On the other hand, gnathologic studieP and

Fig. lO.-The
balancing
condykir
path is usually
steeper than the protrusive
eondylar
path.
This difference
in angulation,
when it is present,
is caRed the Fischer angle.
Fig. Il.-The
medial
movement
of the balancing
condyle
is measured
from
the sagittal
plane and is called the Bennett
angle, which
is not the same as the lateral
Bennett
movement of the working
condyle.

630

J. Pros. Den.
July-August,
1963

WEINBERG

Fig. 12.-A
30 degree balancing
condylar
path and a 30 degree incisal guidance
result in 30
degree balancing
cusp inclines.
Fig. 13.-When
the incisal guidance
is changed
to zero degrees and the balancing
condylar
path remains
30 degrees, the balancing
cusp inclination
at the midpoint
(near the second molar)
is approximately
15 degrees.

patients* utilizing three-dimensional

pantographs indicate that there are different
types of working condylar movements. Each type is specifically characteristic
of
the individual patient.
More research is necessary on this point, as it will become apparent that the
specific working condylar motion has a direct bearing on the working cuspal inclinations. The basic articulators
vary in their ability to record and transfer the
working condylar movement.
Basic Types of Working
Condylar Motion.-The
simplest working
condylar
motion is pure rotation with no lateral or Bennett
side shift (Fig. 14). However,
the working condyle need not remain on the original hinge axis line. The working
condyle can move backward, upward, and laterally (Fig. 15) or downward,
forward, and laterally (Fig. 16). As the working condyle rotates it can shift laterally
at zero degrees along the original hinge axis line (Fig. 17). The last working
condylar motion may involve downward, backward, and lateral movement (Fig. 18).
The balancing condylar paths associated with these movements vary in the
degree of medial movement necessary to accommodate for the specific working condylar motion. Lateral mandibular excursions, then, are related to the three-dimensional working
and balancing condylar movements. These movements are specifically characteristic of the individual. However, only the border movements are
recorded for laboratory instruments.
SIGNIFICANCE

OF THE

WORKING

CONDYLAR

MOVEMENT

Different working
condylar movements alter the working
the same incisal guidance. The working condylar path, working
*Granger,

E.: Personal

communication.

cusp inclines with

cusp inclines, and

BASIC

ARTICULATORS

AND

BAL. COM3;

THEIR

CONCEPTS,

PART

631

ROTATING
WORKING
CONDYLE

c+
--_

FIG. 14
--

WORK. COND,
flACK.
Ul?
LAT.

FIG. I5
BAL, CUND.
----~*

Fig.

Fig.
Fig.

14.-The
15.-The
l&-The

working
working
working

rC
-WORK. CDND.
DOWN.
FOR.
LAT.

condyle may rotate with no lateral shift.

condyle
may rotate
and move backward,
condyle
may rotate
and move downward,

upward,
and/or
forward,
and

laterally.
laterally.

the in&al guidance may be considered to be approximately in a straight line. The

specific working cusp inclination is usually related to its position between the extreme guiding factors (incisal and condylar) .?18However, when the working condyle rotates with little lateral Bennett movement, the cusp inclines will reflect the
incisal guidance inclination (Fig. 19) .g In this situation, the distance traversed,
or length of cusp, will decrease as it is located posteriorly rather than the cuspal
inclination.
When the working condylar motion does contain a lateral Bennett shift, the
war:king cusp inclines at the midpoint between the condyle, and the incisal guidance
will be the average between the extreme guidances. For example, a working condyle
with a zero degree Bennett movement and a 30 degree incisal guidance result in
secondmolar working cusp inclines of 15 degrees (Fig. 20).
Plane of Occlusion.-A
relatively steep balancing condylar motion produces
steep balancing cusp inclines (Fig. 21) . The typical transverse curve of occlusion is
developed when this occurs bilaterally (Fig. 22). Excessive occlusal wear, mutila-

J. Pros. Den.
July-August,
1963

WEINBERG

tion due to missing

tionship.
SIGNIFICANCE

teeth, or extensive

OF CUSPAL-CONDYLAR

restorative

dentistry

may change this rela-

HARMONY

The cusp inclines are constructed to harmonize with the specific three-dimensional working
and balancing condylar motion and the incisal guidance of the
articulator. When these restorations
are in contact in the mouth, they will tend
to force the mandible into the same pattern of motion as that which existed on the
articulator (Fig. 23) .lJ
Tooth Contact Dominates Mandibular Motion .-With
fixed restorations, tooth
contact tends to dominate mandibular motion because of the mechanical leverage
that is obtained when the teeth are further away from the fulcrum than the main
muscular attachments (Fig. 24). I1 For this reason it is desirable to harmonize
tooth inclines with mandibular movement to prevent conflict between the temporomandibular joints, the muscle complex, and the periodontal support. A pathologic condition develops when the physiologic tolerance of one or more of the components of the system is exceeded.
THE

THREE

AXES

OF ROTATION

OF MANDIBULAR

MOTION

Mandibular motion consists of curved, and more often, elliptical motion. The
related axes of rotation in the three planes of space are associated with this threedimensional motion. Although mandibular motion is controlled by the neuromuscular complex, physiologic axes of rotation exist as an integral part of motion itself.
It is vital to visualize the relationship of axes of rotation to three-demensional
motion in order to understand the basic problems involved in imitating physiologic
motion. The movement of the three axes of rotation during function has been
described in a previous article.lO
Transverse
Hinge A&.-The
transverse
hinge axis which passes through
both condyles is associated with rotation of the mandible in the verticle (sagittal)
plane (Fig. 25). Motion is always perpendicular to its axis of rotation by definition.
There is a controversy as to whether there are one or two transverse hinge axes.
The proponents of two hinge axes base their concept on the well-known
asymmetry
of the mandibleal Research by Cohn* which supports the concept of two hinge
axes is in conflict with some of the original work of McCollum.13 The concept of
one transverse hinge axis is supported by Gnathologic clinical research.r4 I stated
previously, Movement
in one direction in a plane can have only one axis of
rotation. Two axial centers of rotation of the same plane and direction of motion
is a self-contradictory
statement. If the mandible were rotating about one axis,
translation would have to occur in the other axis.16
Verticcd A&.-The
physiologic vertical axis of rotation is associated with
rotation in the horizontal (transverse)
plane and is located in the working condyle
(Fig. 26).
*Cohn,
L. A.: Personal
Prosthodontics,
1960.

communication.

Presented

to the

Greater

New

York

Academy

of

Volume
Number

13
4

BASIC

ARTICULATORS

AND

THEIR

CONCEPTS,

PART

633

FIG. 18

axis

Fig.
lme.
Fig.

17.-The

working

l&-The

working

condyle
condyle

may
may

rotate
rotate

and

shift

and

shift

laterally
downward,

at

0 degrees
backward.

along
and

the

hinge

laterally.

Sagittal A&.-The
physiologic sagittal axis of rotation is associated with
rotation in the frontal plane. The balancing condyle rotates about the sagittal axis
which is located through the working condyle (Fig. 27).
CLINICAL

IMPORTANCE

OF THE

TRANVERSE

HINGE

AXIS

The transverse hinge axis of rotation is of clinical importance for orientation

of the maxillary cast on the articulator and the subsequent accurate transfer of
the centric relation record. When this record is removed and the articulator
is
clos,ed, the hinge axis of the instrument may be different than the hinge axis of the
patients mandible. The casts will not be oriented properly at the vertical dimension
of occlusion even though the interocclusal record itself may have been correct. The
error produced in the occlusion has been evaluated mathematically15~1G and will be
presented in relation to articulators.
KINEMATIC

HINGE

AXIS

DETERMINATION

The transverse hinge axis can be found kinematically by attaching a special

bow to the mandible (Fig. 28). The adjustable pins of the bow are approximately
at right angles to the arms which are movable in length. This device is temporarily

J. Pros.
July-August,

WEINBERG

Den.
1963

cemented to the teeth and the patient is trained to produce hinge movements of
the mandible. The pins are adjusted until they rotate without any translation.17
Only the point of the pins at the skin can be assumed to be on the hinge axis.
The opposite end of the pins may have a slight translatory
movement (Fig. 29))
because the apparatus can never be exactly cemented parallel with the hinge axis ;
second, the equipment cannot be expected to maintain perfect right angles.
TRANSFER

TO THE

ARTICULATOR

Only the points

of the pins of the face-bow are assumed to be on the hinge
axis. If the condylar rods of the articulator are extended out to meet the face-bow
pins, an accurate hinge axis transfer can be accomplished (Fig. 30). However,
if

BALANCING
CONDYLE

ROTATIMG
WORKING
CONDY LE
6

BALANCING
CONDYLE

Fig.
lQ.-The
cusp
inclines
reflect
the incisal
guidance
inclination
rotates
with
little
lateral
Bennett
movement.
Fig.
20.-A
working
condyle
with
a 0 degree
Bennett
movement
guidance
results
in working
cusp inclines
of 15 degrees
midway
between
ing factors.
Fig.
21.-A
relatively
steep
balancing
condylar
motion
requires
inclines.
Fig.
22-A
typical
transverse
curve
of occlusion
forms
when
motion
occurs
bilaterally.

COfdDYLE WITH
0 LATERAL
INCLINATIO
t!?

when

the

working

con-

a 30
two

degree
extreme

incisal
guid-

dyle

and
the

steep
steep-balancing

balancing

cusp
condylar

\7olun1e

Numller

13
4

BASIC

ARTICULATORS

Fig. 23.-The
cusp incfines
n,orking
and balancing
condylar

Fig.
leverage.

24.--Tooth

contact

AND

THEIR

CONCEPTS,

are constructed
to harmonize
motfon
and the imisal guide

tends

to

dominate

Fig. 25 .-The
transverse
hinge axis passes
rotation
of the mandible
ih the vertical
(sagittal)

mandibular

through
plane.

both

PART

63.5

with the specific

of the articulator.

motion

condyles

three-dimensional

because

and

of

mechanical

is associated

with

636

J. Pros. Den.
July-August,
1963

WEINBERG

the pins of the face-bow are extended in to meet the articulator,

the axis of the
instrument will not be on the true hinge axis (Fig. 31) .
Non-Right
Angle System.--Much
discussion about the importance of a socalled right angle system in locating and reproducing the transverse hinge axis
has taken place. The arms of the face-bow are not at right angles to the bow nor
are the pins at right angles to the arms. The adjustability
of the parts remains
the same. The pins of the bow can be adjusted to the true hinge axis on the face
(Fig. 32). All other parts of the system will translate as before, but perhaps will
be slightly more exaggerated. If the condylar rods of the articulator are extended
out to reach the pins of the face-bow, the true hinge axis will be duplicated on the
instrument (Fig. 33).

Fig.
zontal

a&-The
(transverse)

Fig.
plane.

2i.-- The

physiologic
plane.

vertical

physiologic

sagittal

axis

of rotation

axis of rotation

is associated

is associat.ed

with

with

rotation

rotation

in

in the

the

hori-

frontal

,EzE:
4
SUMMARY

BASIC
OF THE

KINEMATIC

HINGE

ARTICULATORS

PRINCIPLES

AND

OF LOCATING

THEIR

CONCEPTS,

AND

TRANSFERING

PART

637

THE

AXIS

The transverse hinge axis does not translate when the patient is trained to
move his mandible in an arc. The kinematic face-bow must have arms that are
variable in length, as well as adjustable pins. only the poist of the pins can be
assumed to be on the hinge axis. \Vhen this record is transferred to the articulator,
the condylar rods of the articulator must be extended out to meet the face-bow
pins. The right angle system of pins, arm, and bow is immaterial, as the bow
can never be assumed to be cemented exactly parallel to the hinge axis. The vital

Fig.

,,

%.-The

F&I@9

Fig. 29.-Only
to be on the hinge
movement.

transverse

hinge

axis

is found

by

attaching

a special

bow

to the mandible.

RIGHT
ANGLE
SYSTEM
CEMEMED
ASYMMETRICALLY
the point of the pins of the kinematic
face-bow
at the skin can be assumed
axis, AB. The opposite
end of the pins, CD, may have a slight
translatory

J. Pros. Den.
July-August,
1963

638

WEINBERG

requirement is to have the condylar

face-bow pins.

rods of the articulator

ANATOMIC

AVERAGE

LOCATION

OF THE

TRANSVERSE

HINGE

extend out to meet the

AXIS

In many techniques, an anatomic average location of the transverse hinge axis

is advised. There are some differences in the methods used to determine its location.
The basic idea, based on the work of Snow,l* is to measure 11 to 13 mm. from
the tragus of the ear on a line from the tragus to the corner (outer canthus) of
the eye. Various dentists use different parts of the tragus as a starting point.
HanaulQ starts . . . about 13 mm. (vz inch) anterior to the auditory openings . . . ;
Swenson* describes measuring 11 mm. from the upper part of the tragus. GysizO
located the axis by the intersection of a line 10 mm. from the central point on

Fig. 30.- The condylar

rods of the articulator
are extended
out to meet the
to accomplish
an accurate
hinge axis transfer.
are extended
in to meet the articulator,
Fig. 31.- The pins of the face-bow
in the true hinge axis is created.

face-bow
and

pin6

an error

Volume

13

Number 4

BASIC ARTICLJL.~TORS AND THEIR CONCEPTS, PART I

639

the posterior curvature of each tragus to the corner of the eye. Monson and Hanau
used ?,$ inch while the DAB articulator of Bradrup-Wognse+
utilizes balls that
fit into the aural orifices. The method described here for the anatomic average
hinge axis location will utilize the Snow type of face-bow with the measurement
of $4 inch from the center of the posterior curvature of the tragus (Fig. 34).
ORIENTATION

OF THE FIXED BASE ( ~XAXILLARY

CAST)

Giln~er2 in 1862 proposed individual orientation on an articulator by measuring the individual distances between the joints and the incisors. Sloping joint
paths in an articulator were introduced by Hayes in 1887. Judging from his
instrument, he considered that the dental arcs were invariably placed in relation

FIG32

Fig. 32.-The pins of the (non-right

axis on the face. AB.

NON-RIGHT

AWGLE

SYSTEM

angle system) bow can be adjusted to the true hinge

Fig. 33.-The condylar rods of the articulator are extended out to reach the pins of the
non-right angle system face-bow. The true hinge axis, AB, js duplicated on the machine.

J. Pros.
July-August,

WEINBERG

640

Fig.
tragus

34.-The
transverse
of the ear on a line

hinge axis can be located by measuring

from the tragus
to the corner
of the eye.

11 to 13 mm.

from

Pen.
1963

the

to the joints and the condylar axis2 Snowls was aware that the jaws have a
degree of asymmetry. His face-bow, developed in 1889, was intended to reproduce
the position of the upper jaw in relation to the condyles.
Campionz4 and Beyron2s used mandibular face-bows for investigation of condylar movements. Gysi20 recorded condylar paths in 1929 with this type of instrument. He also felt that, by means of a face-bow, the jaws should be correctly oriented in relation to the condyle axis. In the early work on orientation, the emphasis
was centered on the location of the condyle and very little stress was placed on the
orientation of the occlusal plane.
THE

RELATIONSHIP

OF A FIXED

BASE

TO MOVEMENT

In order to record movement, a fixed base must be oriented in space to

which all measurementscan be referred. In other words, the maxillary dental arch

Fig.
motion.

35.-The

maxillary

arch

has a definite

three-dimensional

relationship

to all

condylar

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641

has a definite three-dimensional relationship to all condylar motion (Fig. 35).

Once the maxillary cast is oriented on the articulator, the centric relation record
completes the static or starting relationship between the maxillae and the condyles
in the temporomandibular fossae. From this.static starting position, dynamic eccentric conclylar movements are imitated by means of eccentric interocclusal records
or extraoral tracings.
ESSENTIAL

STEPS

IN THE

FACE-BOW

MOUNTING

Two essential stepsare necessary to orient the maxillary cast on the articulator.
First, the transverse hinge axis of the patient must be located kinematically as
in Gnathology13 or by anatomic average measurements. Second, an anterior point
of orientation is selected to form a horizontal plane of reference through this point
and the transverse hinge axis.
Antcriov
Point of O~&+~tation~.-Iariation exists in the selection of the anterior point of orientation which, with the transverse hinge axis, forms the horizontal

Fig. SG.--Some
techniques
use an orbital
point A as the anterior
point of orientation;
others
place the plane of occlusion
parallel
to the ala-tragus
line, B, while still others use a line from
the tragus
of the ear to the anterior
nasal spine, C. The incisal edges of the anterior
teeth, D,
can be lined up with the notch on the incisa1 pin of the Hanau Model H articulator.
Fig. 37.-The
various
anterior
points of orientation,
A, B, C, or D, raise oi- lower
the anterior part of the face-bow.

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plane of reference. Some techniques call for the use of an orbital pointer. Others
place the plane of occlusion parallel to the ala-tragus line, while still others use a
line from the tragus of the ear to the anterior nasal spine (Fig. 36). Often, the
occlusal plane and/or the ridges are oriented so as to be roughly parallel to the
base of the articulator. The incisal edge of the teeth or occlusion rim can be made
level with the notch on the incisal guide pin of the Hanau Model H articulator.
These various anterior points of orientation raise or lower the anterior part of
the face-bow (Fig. 37).
Effect of Raising or Lowering
the Plane of Occlusion.-Raising
or lowering
the face-bow mounting does not effect centric occlusion. However,
it does effect
eccentric interocclusal condylar readings which, in turn, influence cusp inclines.26
As the plane of occlusion is elevated, the condylar readings decrease. Conversely,
as the occlusal plane is lowered, the condylar readings increase. Because of the
compensatory change of the occlusal plane, these condylar variations do not affect
CUSP inclines.
the mesiodistal (protrusive)

and left border

movements
produce
the typical
needlepoint
Fig. 38, Right
to a Gothic arch.
Fig. 39,Three
tracings
are made simultaneously
and used to locate the
each lateral
movement
of the mandible,
ff perpendicular
lines are drawn
from
tracing.

tracing

similar

vertical
axis for
each arc of the

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There is no compensatory change in the transverse plane of occlusion. Therefore, any change in the condylar readings affects lateral cusp inclines.
INTRAORAL

AND

EXTRAORAL

TRACINGS

Border Movements.--A
border movement of the mandible can be defined as
the limit of physiologic motion in any one direction. A border movement does not
necessarily coincide with the functional pattern. Indeed, most functional movements
take place m.ell within the border limits. * The exception is centric relation which
usually occurs during deglutitiorP and certain phasesof mastication. Centric relation, as defined in the Glossary of Prostlzodohc
Tertfzs, is The most retruded
relation of the mandible to the maxillae when the condyles are in the most posterior unstrained position in the glenoid fossae from which lateral jaw movements
can be made at any given degree of jaw separation.28 Centric relation is, by definition, a border position. The path of movement from centric relation to the extreme
lateral position is an example of a border movement.
Extraoral
Tracing.-One of GysiszO outstanding contributions was the extraoral tracing used in relation to articulators. A stylus, or writing device, is attached
to the maxillary dental arch and a tracing plate is attached to the mandibular dental
a.rch in the horizontal plane (Fig. 38). Right and left posterior border movements
form a needlepoint tracing which is similar to a Gothic arch in shape.
Location! of the Vertical
Axis.-(;ysi
felt that needlepoint tracings could be
used to locate the vertical axes. Three simultaneous tracings locate the vertical axis
for each lateral movement if perpendicular lines are drawn from the midpoint of
each arm of the arrow point tracing (Fig. 39). This principle is used in many techniques, such as for the Gysi Trubyte articulator and Gnathologic instruments.1.29
SLIM

MARY

The objective of this series of articles is to evaluate several articulators and

their associatedconcepts. The first part deals with a review of the basic information
that is necessary for evaluation of these instruments. The requirements for recording motion have been described in order to better understand the relationship of
mandibular motion to the cuspal inclines. The clinical importance of establishing
the correct orientation of the maxillary dental arch on the articulator has been
demonstrated.
REFERENCES

1, Dent, J., and Harper, A. : Kinematics and Kinetics of Machinery, New York, 1921, John
Wiley & Sons, pp. 3, 30, 88.
2. Hinkle, R.: Kinematics of Machines, New York, 1953, Prentice Hall, Inc., p. 7.
3. Fischer, R.: Beziehungen Zwischen den Kieferbewegungen
und der Kauflachenform der
Zahne, Schwiez. Monatschr. Zahnk. 36.
4. Landa, J. S.: Critical Analysis of the Bennett Movement, J. PROS. DEN. 8:709-726,
1958.
5. Isaacson, D.: A Clinical Study of the Bennett Movement, J. PROS. DEN. 8:641-649,
19.58.
6. Cohen, R.: The Relationship of Anterior Guidance to Condylar Guidance in Mandibular
Movements, J. PROS. DEN. 6:758-767,
1956.
7. Schuyler, C. H.: Factors of Occlusion Applicable to Restorative Dentistry, J. PROS. DEN.
3:772-782, 1953.
*Schweitzer,

J.:

Personal

communication

644

WEINBERG

J. Pros.
July-August,

Den.
1963

8. Swenson, M. G.: Complete Dentures, ed. 4, St. Louis, 1959, The C. V. Mosby Company,
pp. 256-272 ; 295-306.
9. Weinberg, L. A.: Incisal and Condylar Guidance in Relation to Cuspal Inclination in
Lateral Excursions, 1. PROS. DEN. 9:851-862. 1959.
10. Weinberg, L. A.: Physibiogic Objectives of Redonstruction Techniques, J. PROS. DEN.
10:711-723, 1960.
11. Hausmann, E., and Slack, E.: Physics, ed. 2, New York, 1935, D. Van Nostrand Co.,
12. Page, k.?L : Some Confusing Concepts in Articulation! D. Digest 64:71-76; 120-124, 1958.
13. McCollum, B. B.: Fundamentals Involved in Prescribing Restorative Dental Remedies,
D. Items Interest 61:522-535 ; 641-648 ; 724-736 ; 852-863 ; 942-950, 1939.
14. Granger, E. R., Lucia, V., Hudson, W., Celenza, F., and Pruden, W., Jr.: Hinge Axis
Committee, New York Academy of Prosthodontics, 1959.
15. Weinberg, L. A.: The Transverse Hinge Axis: Real or Imaginary, J. PROS. DEN.
9:775-787, 1959.
Brotman, D. N.: Hinge Axes, J. PROS. DEN. 10:436-440; 631-636, 873-877, 1960.
:76: Cohen, R.: Hinge Axis and Its Practical Application in the Determination
of Centric
Relation, J. PROS. DEN. 10:248-257, 1960.
Snow, G. : The Philosophy of Mastication, D. Cosmos 42:531-535, 1900.
:;: Hanau, R. L.: Full Denture Prosthesis, ed. 4, Buffalo, 1930, Hanau Engineering
Co.,
p. 39.
20. Gysi, A. : Practical Application of Research Results in Denture Construction (Mandibular Movements), George Wood Clapp, Collaborator, J.A.D.A. 16:199-223, 1929.
21. Brandrup-Wognson,
T. : An Articulator
Construction, Svensk. Tandlakare-Tidskrift.
29:
339, 1936.
22. Prothero, J.: Prosthetic Dentistry, ed. 3, Chicago, 1923, Medico-dental Publishing Company, pp. 1115-1116.
by Means of Articulators,
A
23. Bergstrom, G.: On the Reproduction of Dental Articulation
Kinematic Investigation, Orebro, Sweden, 1950, A. B. Littorin Ryden.
24. Campion, G.: Some Graphic Records of the Movements of the Mandible in the Living
Subject and Their Bearing on the Mechanism of the Joint and, the Construction
of Articulators, D. Cosmos 47:39-42, 1905.
25. Beyron, H. : Orienterings problem vid Protetiska Rekonstruktioner
och Bettstudier med
Sarskild Hansyn till Anvandningen av Ansiktslage, Svensk. Tandlakare-Tidskrift.
35:1, 1942.
26. Weinberg, L. A. : An Evaluation of the Face-Bow Mounting, J. PROS. DEN. 11:32-42,
1961.
Jankelson, B.: Physiology of Human Dental Occlusion, J.A.D.A. 50:664-680, 1955.
Z: The Academy of Denture Prosthetics: Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, J. PROS. DEN.
10:13, 14, 1960.
29. Lucia, V. 0.: Centric Relation-Theory
and Practice, J. PROS. DEN. 10:849-856, 1960.
57 w. 57 ST.
NEW YORK 17, N. Y.