In restorative and prosthodontic dentistry, precision is key. Tools like dental articulators and facebows play a vital role in simulating jaw movements and achieving accurate, functional restorations. These instruments help reduce chairside adjustments, improve patient outcomes and streamline lab communication. Explore the full Articulating Instruments range at Medilab Marketplace to find trusted solutions used by dental professionals across Australia.
This guide explains what these tools do, why they matter and how to choose the right system for your practice.
What Is a Dental Articulator?
A dental articulator is a mechanical device that replicates the movement of the jaw. It allows practitioners and dental technicians to mount plaster or printed models of a patient's teeth to assess bite, alignment and function.
These devices are essential for:
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Crown and bridge fabrication
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Denture construction
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Occlusal adjustments
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Full mouth rehabilitation
By simulating mandibular movements outside the mouth, articulators help reduce the need for multiple fittings and adjustments.
To explore the clinical use of articulators, see this peer-reviewed article on articulator applications in prosthodontics published by the National Institutes of Health.
What Is a Facebow in Dentistry?
A facebow records the spatial relationship between a patient's upper teeth and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This data is transferred to the articulator to more accurately replicate the patient’s natural jaw orientation.
Facebows are especially useful in:
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Complete denture cases
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Occlusal analysis
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Implant planning
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Advanced prosthodontics
Using a facebow improves the precision of model mounting, minimising occlusal errors in final restorations. For a technical explanation of facebow transfers, refer to this clinical study published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
Dental professionals can choose from a range of articulator types depending on the complexity of the case.
Semi-Adjustable Articulators
Most commonly used in general dental practice. These devices allow for basic adjustments like condylar inclination and Bennett angle, providing an efficient balance of accuracy and ease of use.
Fully Adjustable Articulators
Designed for advanced prosthodontic procedures. They allow detailed customisation of all jaw movements and are often used in full mouth reconstructions or for research purposes.
Denar Articulator System
The Denar Mark 310 and related models are widely used in Australian clinics. Known for their stability and compatibility with facebow systems, these articulators support efficient lab communication and reliable occlusal results.
You can explore Henry Schein's Articulators for clinically approved equipment available locally.
How to Choose the Right Articulating System
When selecting an articulator and facebow, consider:
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Your level of prosthodontic complexity
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Whether you need facebow transfer capability
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The availability of accessories and compatibility with digital workflows
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Durability, brand support and availability of training
For general practice, a semi-adjustable articulator with a compatible facebow offers the best balance of performance and cost. For complex cases or teaching environments, fully adjustable systems may be more appropriate.
Why Choose Medilab Marketplace for Articulators and Facebows
At Medilab Marketplace, we source articulators and facebows from trusted manufacturers who meet Australian standards for clinical equipment. Our marketplace is built for dental professionals who value quality, affordability and convenience.
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Australian-owned and operated
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Products selected for performance and safety
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One-stop access to instruments across multiple dental categories
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Fast dispatch from local warehouses
Whether you're setting up a new lab or upgrading your practice's restorative workflow, Medilab provides a wide selection of articulating instruments to help you deliver better patient outcomes.
Explore Articulators and Facebows at Medilab
Ready to improve your dental workflow with the right articulating tools? Shop our Dental Articulator range and find options designed for precision, reliability and long-term value.
References
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The National Institutes of Health. Use of Dental Articulators in Clinical Prosthodontics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979344/
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The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Accuracy of Facebow Transfers in Prosthodontics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022391311000270
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Henry Schein Australia. Dental Articulators. https://www.henryschein.com.au/