Date of Award
Spring 1994
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Ferguson, Donald J.
Second Advisor
Schuckit, William I
Third Advisor
Pincsak, John J.
Abstract
Dental articulators are designed to simulate mandibular movement in man. The design of articulators varies from a simple hinge to very complex, fully adjustable instruments. Knowledge of the TMJ function needs to be continuously translated into changes in the technical design of articulators. The Polycentric Hinge Articulator (POLY) is a contemporary, innovative device that has evolved from the practice of arthroscopic surgery. Designers of the POLY claim that their articulator is anatomically consistent with observations made during direct visualization of the TMJ during arthroscopic surgery. Furthermore, they contend that the POLY more accurately replicates mandibular movement and that using the POLY will simplify clinical procedures like occlusal splint fabrication. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical adjustment time needed to achieve single point contact of all the mandibular buccal cusps against a flat plane maxillary occlusal splint fabricated in the POLY and the SAM 2 articulator. Fifteen adult subjects volunteered to participate in the study at Marquette University School of Dentistry, Orthodontic department. The sample consisted of five females and ten males with a mean age of 27 years. 5 months and a range of 25 years, 9 months to 31 years, 7 months. A maxillary occlusal splint was fabricated for each subject on each articulator and adjusted in the laboratory to the specified occlusion.
Recommended Citation
Soto Lopez, Jose Joaquin, "Fabrication of Occlusal Splints Using Two Different Articulator Systems: Polycentric Hinge Versus SAM 2" (1994). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 5307.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/5307