Virtual Articular –A Myth or Reality

Abstract

A virtual articulator is a computer software tool which reproduces the relationship between the jaws and simulating jaw movement. In dentistry over the past decade it has gradually gained research interest. The virtual articulator should be considered as an additional diagnostic and treatment planning tool to the mechanical articulator in prosthodontics, especially in complex cases involving alterations to the vertical dimension of occlusion. Numerous researchers have reported on the available digital methodologies used for the assembly of virtual arch models in a virtual articulator, focusing their attention on topics such as the virtual facebow and digital occlusal registration. The jaw models have to be digitalized and properly mounted on the virtual articulator to correctly simulate jaw movement. The aim of this review was to discuss the current knowledge surrounding the various techniques and methodologies related to virtual mounting in dentistry, and whether virtual articulators can be used routinely in day-to-day clinical practice in future. This review also depicts the history of the virtual articulator up to its current state and discusses recently developed approaches and workflows for virtual mounting based on current knowledge and technical devices.